What happens in the Vatican when a pope dies?

The death of a pope sets in motion a solemn and meticulously planned process within the Vatican. This period, known as Sede Vacante (Latin for “the seat being vacant”), involves official procedures to confirm the pope’s passing, a period of mourning, and the election of his successor. The process blends ancient traditions with modern protocols, ensuring continuity in the leadership of the Catholic Church.

1. Official confirmation of death

The responsibility of officially confirming the pope’s death falls to the Camerlengo (Cardinal Chamberlain), a senior Vatican official. Historically, this involved a ritual where the Camerlengo would tap the pope’s forehead three times with a small silver hammer while calling out his baptismal name. If there was no response, the death was formally declared.

While this tradition is largely symbolic today, the official pronouncement still follows strict protocol. Medical professionals now determine death, but the Camerlengo retains the authority to confirm it publicly.

Once confirmed, he notifies the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and the news is relayed to the world by the Vatican press office. The pope’s apartment and private quarters are then sealed to protect documents and personal belongings.

2. Breaking the Fisherman’s Ring

One of the most significant symbols of a pope’s authority is the Fisherman’s Ring, which bears his name and is used to authenticate official Vatican documents. As part of the formal end of his papacy, the Camerlengo, in the presence of other high-ranking Vatican officials, takes a ceremonial hammer and breaks the ring. This act prevents forgery and ensures that no further official decrees can be issued under the late pope’s name.

In addition to the ring, the lead seal of the pope is also destroyed. This symbolic gesture marks the end of his authority and the beginning of the Sede Vacante period, during which the Church is without a leader.

3. Mourning and funeral

Following the pope’s death, a period of mourning begins. His body is prepared for viewing and dressed in papal vestments, usually red (symbolising martyrdom) and white (representing purity). The body is then transferred to St Peter’s Basilica, where it lies in state for several days, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects.

The funeral, typically held within four to six days, is one of the most significant events in Vatican history. The service is conducted by the Dean of the College of Cardinals and attended by thousands, including heads of state, religious leaders, and millions watching worldwide. The pope is usually buried in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St Peter’s Basilica, but some have chosen different locations.

A traditional nine-day mourning period, known as Novemdiales, follows, during which special Masses and prayers are held for the deceased pope’s soul.

4. The election of a new pope

After the funeral and mourning period, preparations begin for the election of the new pope. The College of Cardinals, consisting of cardinals under the age of 80, gathers in conclave, a private and highly secretive election process held in the Sistine Chapel. The doors are locked, and the cardinals take an oath of secrecy.

Ballots are cast in multiple rounds until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned with a special chemical:

Black smoke (produced by adding wet straw or chemicals) signals an unsuccessful vote.

White smoke (from dry burning) means a new pope has been elected.

Once elected, the new pope chooses a papal name and is presented to the public from St Peter’s balcony with the declaration: Habemus Papam! (“We have a Pope!”). He then delivers his first blessing, Urbi et Orbi (“To the City and the World”).