The Catholic Church has established procedures for the death or resignation of a pope, detailed in the apostolic constitution 'Universi Dominici Gregis'. The funeral and burial of a pope who dies in office should occur between the fourth and sixth day after death. The conclave to elect a new pope should begin at least 15 days after the death or resignation, but no more than 20 days. A nine-day mourning period, known as 'novendiales', follows the funeral, with memorial Masses celebrated. Most top-level Vatican officials lose their jobs upon the pope's death, but regular business continues under the supervision of dicastery secretaries.
14 days ago
The funeral of Pope Francis will occur between the fourth and sixth day after his death 1. The College of Cardinals determines the exact date 1. This marks the beginning of a nine-day mourning period known as the "novendiales," with memorial Masses celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica 1. The rites and rituals are detailed in the "Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis," a newer, simplified version of which was released in late 2024 1. The Vatican health service director provides a civil certification of death, while the chamberlain leads the ritual verification 1.
The College of Cardinals is responsible for all aspects of the funeral and the preparations for the conclave to elect the new Pope 1. Before the conclave, all cardinals participate in "congregations" 1. The general congregation, comprised of all cardinals, addresses important matters, while the particular congregation handles daily issues 1. Their duties include preparing the Domus Sanctae Marthae for the cardinals during the conclave and ensuring the Sistine Chapel is ready for the election 1. They also assign clerics to provide meditations and approve expenditures related to the Pope's death 1.
Upon the Pope's death, most top-level Vatican officials lose their jobs, but regular Vatican business continues 1. Dicastery secretaries oversee the flow of paperwork and meeting planning 1. However, the publication of documents, nomination of new bishops, and approval of statutes are suspended until a new Pope is elected 1. The Camerlengo and the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary retain their positions 1. The almoner of His Holiness continues charitable works 1.
The conclave to elect a new Pope must begin 15-20 days after the death of the Pope, although it can start earlier if all cardinal electors are present 1. Cardinal electors are those under 80 years old on the day the Pope died 1. The College of Cardinals is responsible for preparing the Sistine Chapel for the election 1. Cardinals take an oath of secrecy regarding matters related to the election 1.
The Church has specific guidelines regarding the transition of power and authority following the death of a Pope. These guidelines primarily concern the responsibilities of the College of Cardinals, the role of the Camerlengo, and the process of electing a new Pope .
During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, the College of Cardinals can only handle ordinary business and matters that cannot be postponed . Matters that come under the power of the Roman Pontiff alone or concern the norms for the election of the new Pope are excluded .