VATICAN PROTOCOL: What happens immediately after a Pope dies?
In the modern age, a doctor will confirm the Pope’s death, but only the Camerlengo (Chamberlain) can initiate the complex process of rituals that begins after his death.
The Camerlengo is the Vatican’s overseer of property and revenues. It is his job to execute the protocols and organize the funeral.
The current Camerlengo is Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who has held the post since 2019. He will refer to a 400-page handbook called “Funeral Rites of the Roman Pontiff” that will guide him through the strict protocols governing a papal funeral.
1. THE FIRST PROCESS
Firstly, he will call out the Pope’s baptismal name three times (Jorge Mario Bergoglio for Pope Francis). This was traditionally done to ensure the Pope was dead and not just sleeping. Only when he receives no answer does he confirm the official death of the Pope.
There is an often repeated story that when a Pope dies, his death is confirmed in part by tapping his head with a hammer.
This, however, is a myth. The story started to appear in the 19th century and may reflect people’s fear of being buried alive. It could also be confused with the rites of the opening of the Holy Door when a hammer was traditionally used.
2. DESTRUCTION OF THE POPE,S RING.
The next step is the ceremonial destruction of the “Fisherman’s Ring”.
This was traditionally a very important step as the ring was used as the seal of the Pope on official documents. Its destruction was to safeguard against any misuse, such as the ring being used to forge documents. Today, the act is purely symbolic and signifies the end of the Pope’s authority.
3. SEALING OF THE POPE ‘S APARTMENT
Finally, the Papal apartments are sealed, a measure that historically was meant to guard against looting.
4. THE DEATH IS ANNOUNCED
The first indication that the public receives of a Pope’s death is the mourning bell of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The bell of the Basilica tolls for every year of a Pope’s life. It chimed 84 times when Pope Saint John Paul II in 2005. The bells did not chime in 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI’s Papacy ended, as he didn’t die; he resigned.
5. THE EMPTY THRONE
The Vatican has now entered an interregnum period known as Sede Vacante. The throne of St. Peter is empty.
6: WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SEDE VACANTE
During Sede Vacante, the rule of the Church is temporarily handed over to the College of Cardinals, but no major decisions are made. During this time, the Papal funeral is organized, the funeral is held, and cardinals from around the world gather to start the process of electing a new Pope.
7. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE FUNERAL OF THE POPE?
After the funeral, the College of Cardinals gather in Rome to prepare for Conclave. There are currently 252 cardinals, 138 of whom are cardinal electors. Most of them will already be in the city for the funeral.
The Conclave usually begins within 15-20 days after the death of the Pope. In the days before, there are a number of pre-Conclave meetings. These meetings are to discuss core issues facing the Church and for the cardinals to get to know one another better. They also discuss the ideal qualities for a new Pope – so these meetings act like an unofficial campaign period. By the end, a number of Papabile (pop(e)able’ or ‘able to be pope’) contenders usually emerge.
May papa Francisco rest in the Lord Amen.
