The global Catholic community is mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passes away at the age of 88 following recent health complications. His passing marks the end of a transformative era in Vatican leadership and initiates the formal process to elect his successor.
The Vatican confirms that Pope Francis dies just hours after making a surprise appearance on Easter Sunday, where he offered a brief public blessing from the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica and met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. Though visibly frail, the pontiff appeared without oxygen support and greeted worshipers from the popemobile in what would become his final public moment.
The news of his death follows a recent hospitalization for double pneumonia, though the pope had been discharged a month prior. Vatican officials now launch the traditional nine-day mourning period, known as novemdiales, during which Pope Francis will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days beginning later this week. His funeral is expected within four to six days, with formal preparations already underway.
At 2 p.m. Eastern time today, the ceremonial confirmation of his death begins. In a historic rite, the pope’s chief of staff calls out his baptismal name three times. After no response, a death certificate is issued, and the Ring of the Fisherman—symbolic of papal authority—is destroyed, alongside the papal seal, to prevent future forgeries. This ritual officially ends the papacy of Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the man who became Pope Francis in 2013.
Known for his humility, reformist mindset, and unwavering advocacy for the marginalized, Pope Francis is remembered for reshaping the papal role into one of accessibility and compassion. His tenure marked a significant departure from the theological rigor of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, instead emphasizing pastoral care, climate justice, interfaith dialogue, and economic equality.
Austen Ivereigh, who co-authored a book with Francis, describes him as a pope who “loved being with the people,” while Vatican observers note his deep commitment to bringing the church closer to everyday lives. Former Vatican correspondent Philip Pullella highlights the stark contrast Francis brought to the papacy—a leader less focused on ceremony and more on connection.
Global leaders react swiftly to the loss. Vice President Vance, who met Francis just yesterday, expresses heartfelt condolences to Catholics worldwide. French President Emmanuel Macron calls him a champion of “the most vulnerable and fragile,” noting that his death will be felt deeply both in France and around the world.
With the mourning period underway, attention now turns to the College of Cardinals, who will soon convene to select a new pope in a secretive and ancient process known as a conclave. Held inside the Sistine Chapel, the conclave will begin 15 to 20 days after Pope Francis’ death, allowing time for the cardinals—who represent Catholic leadership from all corners of the globe—to arrive in Vatican City.
The selection process requires a two-thirds majority to elect the new pontiff. Ballots are cast in multiple rounds each day, and the results are revealed through smoke signals from the chapel chimney: black for inconclusive votes and white when a pope is elected.
According to theologian Jonathan Morris, the cardinals are already engaging in informal conversations ahead of the conclave. He says the pre-election phase will be critical in shaping consensus around potential candidates. With no clear frontrunner, speculation is mounting over who may rise to lead the Catholic Church in this next chapter.
Pope Francis leaves behind a complicated but impactful legacy—one marked by efforts to reform Vatican finances, broaden the church’s stance on social issues, and reestablish the moral authority of the Catholic Church amid mounting internal and external challenges.
As bells toll in churches around the world and faithful gather in prayer, the world awaits the white smoke that will signify the beginning of a new era in Vatican history.
