What happens next

Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday at 7:35am, the Vatican has entered a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for three days, during which prayer services and masses will be held. Though papal funerals are typically ceremonial, Pope Francis had expressed a preference for a simpler service and will be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome rather than within the Vatican.

In the coming weeks, the College of Cardinals will gather in a conclave to elect a new pope. Only cardinals under the age of 80 may vote, with a maximum of 120 participants. To be elected, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the vote. The ballots are burned after each round; black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke indicates a new pope has been chosen. Possible successors include Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Peter Erdö, Luis Antonio Tagle, Matteo Zuppi, and Raymond Leo Burke. Once elected, the new pope accepts the role, selects his papal name, and is introduced with the phrase “Habemus papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.