🚨🇻🇦POPE FRANCIS' DEATH - WHAT HAPPENS NOW? His death has set in motion the centuries-old process of electing a new Pope. Sede Vacante and Interim Governance: The papacy is officially vacant, and the Vatican’s Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, assumes temporary administration of the Holy See’s temporal affairs. He oversees the funeral arrangements and secures the papal apartments. Pope Francis’s death triggers a 9-day mourning period (novendiales), during which Masses and memorial services are held worldwide. Most Vatican operations pause, except for essential functions. The College of Cardinals collectively manages minor Church affairs but cannot make major decisions, as only a pope has that authority. Funeral and Preparations: Pope Francis’s funeral, likely within 4-6 days, will be held in St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by global leaders and millions of pilgrims. His body will be laid in state for public veneration. The Camerlengo destroys the Ring of the Fisherman, symbolizing the end of Francis’s papacy, and preparations begin for the conclave to elect his successor. The Conclave Process: The conclave typically begins 15-20 days after the pope’s death, allowing cardinals to travel to Rome. The exact date is set by the College of Cardinals, likely within a week of the funeral. Location: The conclave takes place in the Sistine Chapel, with cardinals sequestered in the Domus Sanctae Marthae residence to ensure secrecy and isolation from external influence. Voting Process: Voting occurs in secret ballots, with up to 4 votes per day (two morning, two afternoon). Each cardinal writes the name of their chosen candidate on a ballot, folded to conceal the text. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a pope. If no candidate achieves this after multiple rounds, cardinals may shift to a simple majority or a runoff between the top two candidates, though this is rare. Ballots are burned after each session. Black smoke signals no decision; white smoke, accompanied by bells, announces a new pope. Eligibility: Any baptized Catholic male can theoretically be elected, but in practice, the pope is almost always a cardinal. Candidates often emerge from the College of Cardinals, though dark-horse choices are possible. Announcement: Once elected, the new pope chooses his papal name. The Dean of the College of Cardinals (Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re) or a senior cardinal appears on the St. Peter’s balcony to proclaim, “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”), introducing the new pontiff, who delivers his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi. Post-Election: The new pope assumes immediate authority, leading the Church’s 1.4 billion Catholics. His first acts - choosing a name, delivering a homily, and appointing key Vatican officials - signal his agenda. The conclave’s secrecy ensures no official record of deliberations, preserving the process’s sanctity.
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