The demise of Pope Francis units off a sequence of occasions, from the breaking of his signet ring and his funeral to the secretive conclave election of his successor.
As tributes from world wide pour in for the late pontiff, let’s take a look at what shall be occurring within the Holy See within the quick hours after the demise of the Pope, in addition to within the coming days and weeks.
First steps after the demise of a pope
The camerlengo, a senior Vatican official, is notified. They’re chargeable for the formal willpower of demise.
He stands over the papal physique and ceremoniously calls the Pope’s baptismal title thrice – solely when there isn’t any response to the calls can the Pope be formally pronounced lifeless.
After this, the demise certificates is written. The papal residences are locked by the Camerlengo, with the papal examine and bed room sealed.
The Camerlengo then breaks the pope’s signet ring and seal with shears, to stop them being utilized by anybody else.
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A glance again on the lifetime of Pope Francis
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Vatican broadcasts Pope’s demise
Burial
For the final 100 years, popes have been buried in St Peter’s Basilica within the Vatican.
Nonetheless, Pope Francis as a substitute stated he needed to be buried at Rome’s Basilica of St Mary Main, the church the place he went to wish earlier than and after every of his international journeys.
He additionally requested for a easy wood casket, as a substitute of the centuries-old follow of burying the popes in three interlocking caskets manufactured from cypress, lead and oak.
In line with church guidelines, the burial should happen between 4 and 6 days after his demise.
Picture:
Pope Francis greeting individuals in St Peter’s Sq. the day earlier than his demise. Pic: AP
Selecting a brand new pope
Between 15 and 20 days after the pope dies, cardinals from all around the world arrive on the Vatican to decide on a successor.
Solely these underneath the age of 80 – some 135 cardinals – are eligible to forged votes for the brand new pope and are shuttered away throughout the course of, which is called conclave.
A cardinal should obtain no less than two-thirds of the vote to be introduced as the brand new pope.
Ballots and notes are burned after every vote – for each vote that fails, black smoke it launched from the Sistine Chapel. White smoke means a brand new pope has been elected.
As soon as elected, the dean of cardinals requested him if he accepts his election and he has to decide on a reputation.
As soon as chosen, a senior cardinal proclaims the brand new pope on a balcony overlooking St Peter’s Sq. in Vatican Metropolis and declares “Habemus papa” (“We have a pope” in Latin), and the brand new pope blesses the gang.
