The death of a Pope marks a solemn moment in the Catholic Church, triggering a series of ancient rituals steeped in tradition and guided by strict protocol. On Monday, the Vatican announced the passing of Pope Francis, ushering in a period of mourning and transition for over a billion Catholics worldwide.
Although a physician confirms the Pope’s death, only the Camerlengo the Vatican official responsible for managing the Church’s temporal goods can formally initiate the process. Currently, this role is held by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. He begins the rite by calling out the Pope’s baptismal name—three times. In the case of Pope Francis, he would call, “Jorge Mario Bergoglio” three times. This traditional gesture ensures there is no mistake; only after receiving no response does the Pope’s death become officially acknowledged.
Following this, the Ring of the Fisherman, a symbol of the Pope’s authority, is ceremonially destroyed. Historically used to seal official documents, the ring’s destruction was once a safeguard against forgery. Today, it represents the formal end of a Papacy.
The Camerlengo then proceeds to seal the Papal apartments to prevent tampering or looting. This act also marks the transition of the Vatican into Sede Vacante, Latin for “the seat being vacant.” During this interregnum, the Church awaits the election of a new Pope.
Guided by a 400-page manual titled Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff, the Camerlengo oversees the Pope’s funeral and burial preparations. The mourning bell of St. Peter’s Basilica signals the Pope’s death to the public, tolling once for each year of his life. This ritual famously rang 84 times following the death of Pope Saint John Paul II in 2005.
No such chime occurred in 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI resigned—a rare occurrence in Church history. Unlike resignation, death triggers the gathering of the College of Cardinals, who will soon enter Conclave to elect a new spiritual leader.
With the throne of St. Peter now empty, the world watches as the Catholic Church begins its sacred journey to choose its next Pope.
