What Happens After a Pope Dies: Key Events Explained

The death of a Pope sets in motion a series of significant events steeped in tradition and protocol. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

* **Notification and Mourning:** Upon the Pope's death, the Cardinal Chamberlain officially confirms it. The Vatican announces the news to the world, and a period of mourning begins.
* **Funeral Rites:** A series of funeral masses are held for the deceased Pope. These services draw dignitaries and mourners from across the globe.
* **The Conclave:** The most crucial event is the conclave, where cardinals under the age of 80 gather in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new Pope. They take an oath of secrecy, promising not to reveal the details of the voting process.
* **Voting Process:** Cardinals cast secret ballots. If no candidate receives a two-thirds majority, voting continues. To signal the outcome to the outside world, ballots are burned after each vote.
* **White Smoke:** If a Pope has not been elected, black smoke appears. When a Pope has been successfully chosen, white smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling to the waiting crowds in St. Peter's Square that a new leader has been selected.
* **Acceptance and Announcement:** The elected cardinal is asked if he accepts the role. If he does, he chooses a papal name. The new Pope is then presented to the world from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

These rituals and traditions ensure a smooth transition of power within the Catholic Church following the death of a Pope.