What Happens After a Pope Dies: Funeral and Election Process

Mourning and Confirmation of Death

• 💔 Millions of people are mourning the loss of the pope, with parishioners expected to gather with heavy hearts.
• 🕊️ The process begins with the Cardinal Chamberlain officially confirming the Pope's death.
• ⛪ A ceremony will take place inside a chapel with officials, members of the Pope's family, and the Cardinal Chamberlain.

Public Viewing and Funeral Arrangements

• 📍 A public viewing will be held in St. Peter's Basilica.
• 🪦 Pope Francis's body will remain in a coffin, not on a raised pedestal, a departure from tradition since the 13th century.
• ⚰️ The funeral normally takes place in St. Peter Square some 4 to 6 days after the pope's death.
• 🏛️ Unlike his predecessors, Francis wished to be buried inside the ancient Basilica of St. Mary Major, not in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica.

Election of a New Pope

• ⏳ Within 15 to 20 days of the pope's death, the Dean of the College of Cardinals will gather cardinals in Rome.
• 🗳️ The cardinals will elect Francis's successor, requiring a two-thirds majority.
• 💨 Christians worldwide will await a smoke signal from the chapel chimney; white smoke signifies a new pope has been selected.