21/04/2025
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A POPE DIES.
✅1.CONFIRMATION OF DEATH
• The Camerlengo (Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church) officially confirms the pope’s death.
• Traditionally, he calls the pope’s baptismal name three times, waiting for a response.
• He then declares, “The Pope is truly dead.”
✅2. Destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring
• The Fisherman’s Ring, which the pope used to seal official documents, is destroyed with a hammer to prevent forgeries.
• His papal seal is also destroyed.
✅3. Bells Toll
• Bells, especially those of St. Peter’s Basilica, ring solemnly to announce the death to the world.
• Churches globally may also ring bells in mourning.
✅4. Vatican is Sealed
• The papal apartments are sealed shut.
• The Swiss Guard steps back from their usual guard of the pope, symbolizing that the seat is now vacant.
✅5. Nine Days of Mourning (Novemdiales)
• There are nine days of official mourning.
• The pope’s body lies in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing and prayer.
• Daily Requiem Masses (funeral Masses) are held.
✅6. FUNERAL
• The pope’s funeral is held in St. Peter’s Square.
• He is usually buried in the crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, although he can request a different burial location.
✅7. Sede Vacante Begins
• This means “the seat is vacant.”
• During this time, no major decisions or changes can be made by the Church.
• The Camerlengo runs day-to-day operations.
✅8. Conclave Preparation
• Cardinals under 80 are summoned to Rome to prepare for the election.
• They meet in the Sistine Chapel.
• No one can leave or communicate with the outside world until a new pope is elected.
✅9. Papal Election (Conclave)
• Cardinals vote in secret ballots, up to four times a day.
• When no pope is elected, black smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel.
• When a new pope is chosen by a two-thirds majority, white smoke rises.
• The bells ring joyfully this time—signaling a new pope has been chosen.
✅10. “Habemus Papam”
• A cardinal announces from the balcony of St. Peter’s:
“Habemus Papam!” — “We have a pope!”
✅✅✅ • The new pope appears and gives his first blessing to the world.
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