Pope Francis made a public appearance the day before his death. Credit: Marco Iacobucci/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
After Pope Francis’s passing, the Church will begin selecting a new Pope.
But who are the main contenders?
But who are the main contenders?
Pope Francis passed away early Monday morning, just hours after giving his final Easter Sunday blessing.
Thousands of emotional worshippers had gathered in St. Peter’s Square to hear him speak.
Cardinal Farrell confirmed the news in a solemn statement:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7:35AM this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
He praised Francis’ legacy, saying:
“He taught us to live the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poor and marginalised.”
Francis had looked frail but spirited during the Easter Mass.
Thousands of emotional worshippers had gathered in St. Peter’s Square to hear him speak.
Cardinal Farrell confirmed the news in a solemn statement:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
At 7:35AM this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.”
He praised Francis’ legacy, saying:
“He taught us to live the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poor and marginalised.”
From his wheelchair, Pope Francis smiled and waved from St. Peter’s Basilica’s balcony.
“Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!” he greeted the crowd.
Later, he rode through the square, blessed babies, and gave gifts to adoring pilgrims.
Cries of “Viva il Papa!” — “Long live the Pope” — filled the air.
Hours later, the Vatican confirmed the worst: Pope Francis had died at 88.
His 12-year reign transformed the Church and touched over 1.4 billion Catholics.
Now, focus turns to the future — and the secretive election of the next pope.
The conclave, Latin for “with key,” will soon begin.
It’s a centuries-old tradition.
120 cardinal electors under age 80 will lock themselves inside the Sistine Chapel.
Officials will confiscate phones, ban newspapers, and conduct bug sweeps.
After declaring “extra omnes” — “everyone out” — the doors will be sealed.
Cardinals will cast ballots twice daily.
If 30 rounds end without a two-thirds majority, the top two face off.
A simple majority will then decide the next pope.
Black smoke means no decision.
White smoke signals: “Habemus papam” — “We have a pope.”
The chosen leader is asked if he accepts and what name he will take.
He puts on his vestments in the Room of Tears.
Then he steps onto the same balcony where Pope Francis gave his final blessing.
Officials will confiscate phones, ban newspapers, and conduct bug sweeps.
After declaring “extra omnes” — “everyone out” — the doors will be sealed.
Cardinals will cast ballots twice daily.
If 30 rounds end without a two-thirds majority, the top two face off.
A simple majority will then decide the next pope.
Black smoke means no decision.
White smoke signals: “Habemus papam” — “We have a pope.”
The chosen leader is asked if he accepts and what name he will take.
He puts on his vestments in the Room of Tears.
Then he steps onto the same balcony where Pope Francis gave his final blessing.
Briscoe noted that Francis “completely reshaped the makeup” of the College of Cardinals.
He said the newer members are “extremely familiar with each other.”
He highlighted 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as a key behind-the-scenes player.
Francis extended his term as dean, giving him major influence.
Here are the top contenders:
Cardinal Luis Tagle, 67
Once seen as Francis’ protégé, his chances may have dipped due to issues at Caritas International.
Still, he’s voiced progressive views, saying universal morals may not always apply.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70
Italy’s Secretary of State with global diplomatic skill.
Conservative but backed Vatican ties with Communist China.
He has a high chance of election.
Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, 66
A scholarly French cardinal seen as Francis’ favorite.
Critics say he’s loved by the left and supports decentralization.
Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, 71
A Dutch doctor and theologian, he strongly defends traditional doctrine.
He opposes same-sex blessings, gender therapy, and female ordination.
A dream pick for conservatives.
Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, 77
Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a champion of poverty and the environment.
He aligns with both Benedict XVI and Francis.
Cardinal Robert Sarah, 79
A traditionalist from Guinea who opposes the Latin Mass ban and same-sex blessings.
He’s a favorite of Francis critics and could become the first African pope since the 5th century.
After declaring “extra omnes” — “everyone out” — the doors will be sealed.
Cardinals will cast ballots twice daily.
If 30 rounds end without a two-thirds majority, the top two face off.
A simple majority will then decide the next pope.
Black smoke means no decision.
White smoke signals: “Habemus papam” — “We have a pope.”
The chosen leader is asked if he accepts and what name he will take.
He puts on his vestments in the Room of Tears.
Then he steps onto the same balcony where Pope Francis gave his final blessing.
Officials will confiscate phones, ban newspapers, and conduct bug sweeps.
After declaring “extra omnes” — “everyone out” — the doors will be sealed.
Cardinals will cast ballots twice daily.
If 30 rounds end without a two-thirds majority, the top two face off.
A simple majority will then decide the next pope.
Black smoke means no decision.
White smoke signals: “Habemus papam” — “We have a pope.”
The chosen leader is asked if he accepts and what name he will take.
He puts on his vestments in the Room of Tears.
Then he steps onto the same balcony where Pope Francis gave his final blessing.
Briscoe noted that Francis “completely reshaped the makeup” of the College of Cardinals.
He said the newer members are “extremely familiar with each other.”
He highlighted 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re as a key behind-the-scenes player.
Francis extended his term as dean, giving him major influence.
Here are the top contenders:
Once seen as Francis’ protégé, his chances may have dipped due to issues at Caritas International.
Still, he’s voiced progressive views, saying universal morals may not always apply.
Italy’s Secretary of State with global diplomatic skill.
Conservative but backed Vatican ties with Communist China.
He has a high chance of election.
A scholarly French cardinal seen as Francis’ favorite.
Critics say he’s loved by the left and supports decentralization.
A Dutch doctor and theologian, he strongly defends traditional doctrine.
He opposes same-sex blessings, gender therapy, and female ordination.
A dream pick for conservatives.
Archbishop of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and a champion of poverty and the environment.
He aligns with both Benedict XVI and Francis.
A traditionalist from Guinea who opposes the Latin Mass ban and same-sex blessings.
He’s a favorite of Francis critics and could become the first African pope since the 5th century.
