What are the church rites for a Pope’s death and how a new one is elected | World News

The death of a pope triggers an ancient and deeply symbolic process that leads to the election of a new leader for the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics. From sealing the papal apartment to secret ballots and smoke signals, the centuries-old rituals remain largely unchanged, even in the modern age.When a pope dies, the Church enters a period known as the sede vacante, or “vacant seat.” The camerlengo currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell is responsible for confirming the Pope’s death and sealing off his private rooms. He also oversees the running of the Vatican’s day-to-day affairs until a new pope is elected.

Most Vatican officials lose their positions during this time, though some, like the master of liturgical ceremonies and the foreign miner, stay on. The dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Batta Re, organises the funeral and leads the Mass before the conclave.
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Pope Francis recently simplified his own funeral rites, choosing to be buried outside the Vatican at St. Mary Major Basilica, near his favourite image of the Virgin Mary.
What’s the timeline after the pope dies?
After the death is confirmed, his body is moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. A funeral Mass is held, and he must be buried between the fourth and sixth day after his passing.
This is followed nine days of official mourning, called the novendiali. During this time, cardinals from around the world travel to Rome.
The election of a new pope — called the conclave — must begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope’s death. It can start sooner if all eligible cardinals agree.Story continues below this ad
Who can vote and be elected?
Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote in the conclave. There are currently 135 cardinals who meet this age requirement, although the official limit is 120.
Any baptised Roman Catholic man can be elected pope, but since 1378, the pope has always been chosen from among the cardinals.
How is the new pope chosen?
The conclave takes place inside the Sine Chapel. It begins with a special Mass, followed a vote that same afternoon. If no one is elected, there are two rounds of voting each morning and two each afternoon.
Each cardinal writes a name on a paper marked “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (Latin for “I elect as supreme pontiff”). He then walks to the altar and says, “I call as my witness Chr the Lord, who will be my judge, that my vote is given to the one who before God I think should be elected”, according to a report Associated Press (AP).Story continues below this ad

Votes are checked and counted three selected cardinals. If no candidate receives the required two-thirds majority, the ballots are pierced with a needle and thread, tied together, and burned.
Benedict XVI changed the rules to ensure that a pope must always be elected a two-thirds vote — no simple majority allowed, no matter how long it takes.
Keeping things secret
The process is meant to be completely private. All those involved, including assants and cardinals, take a strict oath of secrecy. Breaking this oath leads to automatic excommunication.

They also swear not to use phones or recording devices. The oath includes the words: “I take this oath fully aware that an infraction thereof will incur the penalty of automatic excommunication… So help me God and these Holy Gospels, which I touch with my hand.”Story continues below this ad
How do we know a new pope has been chosen?
At the end of each voting session, the ballots are burned in a special stove inside the chapel. Black smoke means no decision has been made. White smoke — produced using specific chemicals — means a new pope has been elected and has accepted.
To avoid confusion, bells are also rung when white smoke rises. The new pope is then revealed from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the announcement: “Habemus Papam!” (“We have a pope!”). He then steps out and gives his first public blessing.