Francis Is in Critical Condition. What Happens When a Pope Dies?

Pope Francis, the current leader of the Catholic Church, is in critical condition. The news of his deteriorating health has sent shockwaves throughout the world, as millions of Catholics and non-Catholics alike wait anxiously for updates on his condition.

But what happens when a Pope dies? The death of a Pope is a momentous event in the Catholic Church, as it marks the end of one papacy and the beginning of the process to select a new Pope.

When a Pope dies, the Camerlengo, or chamberlain, takes charge of the Vatican and its assets until a new Pope is elected. The Camerlengo is responsible for organizing the Pope’s funeral and overseeing the transition to a new pontiff.

The funeral of a Pope is a solemn and elaborate affair, attended by world leaders and dignitaries from around the globe. The Pope’s body lies in state for several days, allowing mourners to pay their respects before the funeral Mass is held.

After the funeral, the process to elect a new Pope begins. The College of Cardinals, the body of high-ranking church officials responsible for electing the Pope, gathers in a conclave to select the next pontiff. The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel, with the cardinals casting their votes in secret until a two-thirds majority is reached.

Once a new Pope is elected, he must accept the position before being formally announced to the world. The new Pope then chooses a papal name and is officially inaugurated in a ceremony known as the Papal Inauguration.

The death of a Pope is a time of mourning and reflection for the Catholic Church, but it is also a time of hope and renewal as a new leader is chosen to guide the faithful. As Pope Francis remains in critical condition, the world waits with bated breath to see what the future holds for the Catholic Church.