Well, folks, it’s official: Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away. If you’re reading this while clutching your rosary beads or trying to recall that one time you attended mass back in your childhood, you’re not alone. The world is mourning the loss of a man who brought a new face to the papacy — one that was as compassionate as it was controversial.
But what happens when the Pope dies? It’s not like we’re talking about your average celebrity passing or even an elected leader. The death of a Pope is a momentous event, one that shakes the very foundations of the Catholic Church, and, whether you’re religious or not, it sends ripples throughout the world. And no, the Vatican doesn’t simply put up a “Pope Needed, Apply Within” sign. There’s a whole process, much like the “Godfather” meets “The Apprentice,” but with a lot more prayers and incense.
The News: Francis Is Gone, But the Church Moves On
On the evening of February 5, 2025, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had passed away at the age of 88. He had been battling various health issues for some time, with his frail health becoming a public concern in the past few months. After undergoing surgery for diverticulitis and suffering from a host of other ailments, his death was, sadly, expected — but no less heartbreaking for the millions of people who had looked to him for guidance, leadership, and a refreshingly modern take on the papacy.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had a particularly rough start in life with health issues, but no one expected the mark he’d make on the Church. His humble beginnings as a Jesuit priest and his outspoken views on everything from climate change to social justice positioned him as a beacon of hope for many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. He was a Pope for the poor, the disenfranchised, and the often-forgotten. He ruffled more than a few feathers with his progressive stance on issues like divorce, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of women in the Church, but that was part of his charm.
Who Was Pope Francis, Really?
Pope Francis wasn’t your typical pontiff. He wasn’t cloistered in the Vatican, living in the Vatican’s luxury. Oh no, this guy liked to get down and dirty. He rejected the papal palace and lived in the Vatican guesthouse, breaking with centuries of tradition. His humility was evident in everything from his modest wardrobe (he famously refused the golden throne for a simple wooden chair) to his habit of doing his own laundry. In fact, he was known for his “un-Pope-like” behaviour, often taking subway rides in Rome or visiting hospitals without fanfare.
His legacy is a patchwork of progressive action and traditional Catholicism. He fought for refugees and immigrants, was outspoken about the dangers of unchecked capitalism, and redefined what it means to be a spiritual leader in the modern world. But, of course, like any public figure, he wasn’t without his detractors. His sometimes-controversial remarks and calls for reform in an institution steeped in tradition were met with resistance from conservative factions within the Church. But in a way, that was part of the genius of Pope Francis: he managed to challenge the status quo without completely losing sight of the faith’s rich traditions.
In the final years of his papacy, the world watched as Pope Francis, frail but dignified, made his last public appearances, continuing to advocate for peace, justice, and equality, all while contending with his declining health. And now, as the Vatican mourns, the real question is: who gets to step into the Pope’s shoes? And how does that happen?
So, Who Chooses the New Pope? (Spoiler: It’s Not A Popular Vote)
Ah yes, the conclave. The most secretive, solemn, and holy version of The Bachelor you could ever imagine. When the Pope dies, the Vatican enters a state of mourning, but more importantly, the process for selecting a new pope begins. Let’s break this down, because trust me, it’s not as simple as sending out a mass email asking for recommendations.
The cardinals of the Catholic Church, the “College of Cardinals,” will gather in the Vatican to choose the new Pope. They’ll convene in a room known as the Sistine Chapel, and yes, the frescoes on the ceiling will loom over them while they ponder one of the most important decisions in the world. The College of Cardinals consists of Catholic bishops who have been elevated to cardinal status. They’re appointed by the sitting Pope and are usually the most senior members of the Church. As of now, there are 120 cardinal electors who are under the age of 80 — and they are the ones who will cast their ballots.
Once gathered, the conclave begins, and it is completely locked down. No one enters, no one leaves. And there are no phones allowed. (I mean, not that they could take a selfie with the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, but still.) The electing cardinals will then engage in multiple rounds of voting. A candidate needs two-thirds of the votes to be elected, which is easier said than done when you’ve got 120 people vying for a piece of the Holy See. You’re not picking your favourite bachelor contestant here; this is serious business.
The ballots are burned after each round of voting. If no one has reached the magic number of two-thirds, the smoke that emerges from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel will be black, signaling that a decision has not yet been made. If a new Pope is chosen, the smoke will turn white, and voilà, a new pope has been elected.
What Happens Next? All Hail the New Pope (and His Red Shoes)
Once the new pope is chosen, a series of events follows. The cardinals will immediately make the announcement from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the world will hear the words: “Habemus Papam!” (which means, “We have a pope!”) It’s a moment of jubilation, and the world’s media will scramble to get a glimpse of the new leader, who will emerge in his distinctive white robes and red shoes (yes, those shoes are important).
The newly elected pope will then take on the role of spiritual leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics around the globe. He’ll begin his reign with a speech to the faithful, offering his vision for the future of the Church and his papacy. The whole process, from the death of the old pope to the election of the new one, is an intensely religious and secretive event. While the world watches, it’s a reminder of the Church’s unique ability to blend centuries of tradition with modern realities.
Final Thoughts: What Does This Mean for Us?
The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of an era. Whether you agreed with his views or not, his leadership brought a new approach to the papacy, one that was both progressive and deeply rooted in Catholic tradition. The election of a new pope is more than just the changing of the guard; it’s a pivotal moment in global religion and politics. So as we say goodbye to Pope Francis, we must also turn our attention to the future of the Church — and wonder: who will emerge to fill the shoes of the world’s most powerful man of faith?
The search for the new Pope is a sacred process, steeped in mystery and reverence, and it reminds us all that no matter how modern or progressive we get, some things — like faith, tradition, and Vatican power plays — will always be just a little bit old school.