EXPLAINER! What Exactly Happens Next When a Pope Dies

Pope Francis with late Pope Benedict.

For the past three weeks, Pope Francis has been bedridden, with daily updates from the Vatican describing him as having restful nights.

In this story, we explore what happens when the Good Lord decides to take up His obedient servant.

Camerlengo is an Italian word meaning Chamberlain is a senior position in the Vatican charged with the Popes’ property and organizing the conclave.

The position is only occupied by a priest at the rank of Cardinal and it is currently held by Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

The camerlengo is responsible for confirming the pope’s death or resignation, however, the doctors also confirm the death with medical reports.

The camerlengo then assumes control over the pope’s residence and coordinates the funeral.

How announcement is made.

The camerlengo’s role in announcing the pope’s death is sometimes ceremonial, over which he calls out the pope’s name and receives no response.

He then drafts a document authenticating the pope’s death, followed by the sealing of the pontiff’s apartments gathering of private papers before being taken to his private chapel, where he is robed in red vestments.

The Pope’s Ring

The papal ring also known as the fisherman’s ring or the Piscatory Ring, used to seal papal documents, after his death it is defaced or destroyed with a ceremonial hammer.

What Next After The Announcement

The pope’s death initiates a nine-day mourning period called the Novena, or the Novendiale characterized by daily prayers and requiem masses at the Vatican and in Catholic communities worldwide.

The body of the deceased pope is taken in procession to lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for four to six days after his death, with mourners assembling into the Vatican for the Mass.

Where Are Popes Buried

Pope Francis has expressed a preference for being buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, located on Esquiline Hill in Rome.

In contrast, many other Popes are buried in the Vatican Grottoes, where nearly 100 Popes have been laid to rest.

Read interesting facts about Pope Francis HERE.

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