Pope Francis Dies at 88, Transition Begins for New Leader

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, just one day after making an appearance at St. Peter’s Square for Easter Sunday. The Vatican announced on Monday that Francis died following a stroke.

Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was elected as Pope in 2013, marking a historic moment as he became the first Latin American pontiff. Over his tenure, Francis was recognized for his humility and advocacy for peace amidst global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

His death initiates a leadership transition period at the Vatican, termed the interregnum, meaning ‘vacant seat’ in Latin. This period includes nine days of mourning, known as the novendiales, before the election of a new Pope begins, which typically occurs within 15 to 20 days of the pontiff’s death.

The process is organized by the camerlengo, a cardinal responsible for overseeing the papal election through a conclave. The conclave is a secret assembly where eligible cardinals – those under the age of 80 – gather to elect the new Pope.

Currently, there are over 250 cardinals worldwide, with 135 of them eligible to vote during the conclave. Most of these cardinals were appointed by Francis himself, resulting in a more diverse electorate that reflects the Church’s global presence.

Once a new Pope is selected, smoke signals emitted from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel inform the public of the conclave’s decision. White smoke indicates that a new Pope has been elected, while black smoke signifies that additional voting is necessary.

This year’s conclave will take place amid discussions of potential successors. Among them are cardinals like Jean-Marc Aveline, known for his support for migrants, and Joseph Tobin, a progressive figure advocating for inclusivity within the Church.

While speculation about the next Pope continues, the Cardinals will remain secluded as they work towards deciding the future of the Catholic Church. Upon election, the newly appointed Pope will be introduced to the public, marking the start of his pontificate.