The death of Pope Francis, who passed away aged 88 on Sunday just a day after his Easter appearance in St Peter’s Square, has triggered the start of the Catholic Church’s solemn and secretive process of choosing a new pontiff.
Here’s how the next head of the Roman Catholic Church will be selected, and who some of the leading candidates might be.
What happens after the Pope dies?
The period following a Pope’s death is known as the interregnum or sede vacant – Latin for “vacant seat.” This begins immediately after the Pope’s passing and lasts until a new one is elected.
The novendiales, a traditional nine-day mourning period, follows the death of a pope. During this time, Vatican officials prepare for the papal election, which is expected to take place between 15 to 20 days after his death.
The process is led by the camerlengo, a senior cardinal charged with managing the Church’s daily affairs during the vacancy. The camerlengo also formally verifies the pope’s death and arranges the conclave, the papal election gathering.
How is a new pope elected?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave – a maximum of 120. They are locked inside the Sistine Chapel where they remain cut off from the outside world until a new pope is chosen. All communications are banned.
Before the conclave begins, cardinals attend *general congregations, meetings where they discuss the state of the Church and its challenges. These sessions help frame the qualities needed in the next pope.
The election itself is by secret ballot. Voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority. After each voting round, ballots are burnt. Black smoke from the chapel chimney signals an inconclusive vote; white smoke indicates that a new pope has been chosen.
Once elected, the new pope is asked if he accepts the role. If so, he selects a papal name and is introduced to the world from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.
Who can be Pope?
Technically, any baptised Catholic male is eligible, but in practice, every modern pope has been a cardinal. Women remain excluded from the priesthood, and thus from the papacy.
While many speculate on the most likely candidates – known as papabili – the outcome is famously unpredictable. Pope Francis himself was not a frontrunner before his 2013 election.
Possible successors to Pope Francis
Among the cardinals often mentioned as potential successors are:
– Pietro Parolin (Italy, 70) – The Vatican’s Secretary of State, widely regarded as one of the Church’s top diplomats, with experience in dealing with China, Israel, and North Korea.
-Péter Erdő (Hungary, 72)– A conservative figure and theologian who opposes same-sex marriage and communion for the divorced. He has softened his stance on immigration in recent years.
-Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines, 67) – A progressive voice from Asia, he has criticised the Church’s past treatment of LGBTQ+ people and could become the first Asian pope in modern history.
– Matteo Maria Zuppi (Italy, 69) – Known for his pastoral care and peace efforts, Zuppi has advocated for inclusion, prison reform and dialogue on global conflicts, including in Ukraine and the Middle East.
With about 80% of the current electors appointed by Pope Francis himself, the next pontiff may well reflect his emphasis on compassion, social justice and a more inclusive Church.
