Pope Francis, the beloved leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta16. His death marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church, triggering a carefully orchestrated process governed by centuries-old Vatican rules to elect the next pope. This article explains what happens next, including the papal funeral, the interregnum period, and the conclave election process.The Death of Pope Francis: Official Announcement and Immediate StepsAt 7:35 a.m. local time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican’s camerlengo, announced the passing of Pope Francis with deep sorrow, highlighting the pontiff’s lifelong dedication to serving the poor and marginalized16. The camerlengo’s role is crucial in the moments following the pope’s death. He officially confirms the death by calling the pope’s baptismal name three times and then initiates the Vatican’s protocols2.Following the announcement, the papal apartments are sealed, and the Fisherman’s Ring and papal seal are ceremonially destroyed to symbolize the end of Pope Francis’s reign24. The Vatican then enters the sede vacante period, meaning “the seat is vacant,” during which the Church pauses certain official activities until a new pope is elected2.Pope Francis’s Funeral and Mourning PeriodAccording to the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, the funeral must take place between the fourth and sixth day after the pope’s death2. Pope Francis’s funeral will be held at St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a burial that breaks from recent tradition. Unlike his predecessors, F

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