Pope Francis' death: When will the next Vatican leader be elected?
The Catholic world is mourning the loss of Pope Francis, triggering the Vatican's "sede vacante" procedure. Here's how the next pope will be chosen.
The Catholic world is mourning a significant loss with the passing of Pope Francis. Before Holy Week, concerns about his age had already raised questions. The death of Jorge Mario Bergoglio has now triggered the Vatican's "sede vacante" protocol, which lays out the procedures to be followed until a new pope is chosen.
During this period of time, it's important to note that Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell temporarily assumes the administration of the Vatican. At the same time, funeral preparations are underway, and the College of Cardinals is convened for the conclave, where a new spiritual leader for more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide will be elected.
When and how is the new pope chosen?
The conclave, the meeting of the College of Cardinals to be elected the new pope, must begin between 15 and 20 days after the pope's death. However, this period of may be shortened if all the electors are already in Rome, according to a rule established by Benedict XVI in 2013.
In this case, following the death of Pope Francis, 136 cardinals under the age of 80 will participate. They will stay at the Santa Marta residence and meet in the Sistine Chapel for the voting. It's important to remember that to be elected, a candidate must obtain at least two-thirds of the votes, which is 92.
During the conclave, after each round of voting, ballots are burned. The color of the smoke that rises from the Sistine Chapel chimney indicates the result: black if there's no consensus reached, and white if a new pope is elected.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Vatican, died at the age of 88. Photo: AFP.
Who are the possible successors of Pope Francis?
Although any baptized Catholic man can be elected pope, since 1378, all popes have been cardinals. According to Christian media, some of the names being considered as potential successors include:
- Pietro Parolin (Italy): Vatican Secretary of State and experienced diplomat.
- Matteo Zuppi (Italy): President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, known for his work in international mediation.
- Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, considered progressive and close to Francis.
- Robert Sarah (Guinea): A representative of the conservative wing, critical of some of Francis' reforms.
- Raymond Burke (USA): Supported by conservative sectors and figures such as Donald Trump.
Who assumes temporary the leadership of the Vatican?
The "Sede vacante" period begins with the pope's death and ends with the election of his successor. During this time, the Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, certifies the pope's death and assumes the administration of the Holy See.
His responsibilities include sealing the papal apartment and organizing the funeral, which must tale place between the fourth and sixth day after the death.
In addition, the "novendiale" period begins, which is a nine-day official mourning period with daily masses in memory of the deceased pope. During this time, all public and private audiences in the Vatican are suspended.
