With the passing of the Pope, the Catholic Church initiates one of its most solemn and meticulously choreographed rituals. The first person to be informed is the Camerlengo, the cardinal who assumes the role of the Vatican’s acting administrator during the interregnum. It is the Camerlengo’s responsibility to officially confirm the Pope’s death.
In adherence to tradition, the Camerlengo approaches the Pope’s body and calls out the Pope’s baptismal name three times. In the absence of a response, the Pope is formally declared deceased. A death certificate is then issued, and the Papal Apartments are sealed. Historically, this practice was established to prevent theft by opportunistic cardinals. Today, it serves to safeguard the authenticity of the Pope’s will and final instructions.
The next symbolic act involves the destruction of the Ring of the Fisherman, a gold ring worn by the Pope that Catholics kiss as a sign of reverence. The Camerlengo removes the ring and breaks it in two in front of the gathered cardinals. This act not only prevents potential document forgeries but also signifies the end of the Pope’s reign.
The news of the Pope’s death is then communicated through official channels. The Vicar General of Rome is informed first, followed by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who then notifies the other cardinals. Subsequently, the Vatican’s diplomats, known as apostolic nuncios, are tasked with informing foreign embassies and missions worldwide.
The Pope must be buried between the fourth and sixth day following his death. A nine-day mourning period, known as the novemdiales, ensues. Much of the funeral and mourning procedures are typically pre-planned by the Pope himself, with detailed instructions left for the Camerlengo to execute.
Fifteen days after the Pope’s passing, the papal conclave begins. This closed-door assembly involves the College of Cardinals electing the next leader of the Catholic Church. The term conclave, derived from the Latin cum clave (“with a key”), refers to the secrecy and isolation imposed on the participants. To prevent external interference, all eligible cardinals—those under the age of 80 and not excommunicated—are sequestered inside the Sistine Chapel. On the first day, they celebrate a Mass, then proceed to the chapel where they swear an oath to adhere to the strict rules governing the election.
The voting continues daily until one candidate secures a two-thirds majority. After each round, the ballots are burned. Black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote, while white smoke announces to the world that a new Pope has been chosen.
