The Shocking Timeline Between Pope Francis’ Death and the Next Papal Conclave Revealed!

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Following the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 due to heart failure and a stroke on April 21, 2025, a new male leader will be chosen to guide the Catholic Church. This is because, according to church regulations, only males can become Popes. Prior to his death, Pope Francis had been leading the church with humility and warmth for 12 years, reaching out to marginalized communities. The exact timing of when the conclave to select the next pope will take place hasn’t been specified yet.

Following the Pope’s passing, the process for selecting a new leader involves a gathering known as a conclave – a confidential voting procedure that garnered interest due to the 2024 Academy Award-winning film “Conclave”. This event gathers all Catholic cardinals who are below the age of 80. However, it’s important to note that the conclave doesn’t occur straight after the Pope’s death. Instead, a brief waiting period ensues between the point of death and the start of the conclave for the selection of a new leader.

The Conclave Usually Begins A Few Weeks After The Pope’s Death

Conclaves Aren’t Immediately After The Pope’s Death To Allow For The Period Of Mourning

Typically, a period of 15 to 20 days transpires between a pope’s demise and the convening of the conclave. This duration encompasses a nine-day mourning phase during which funeral services are conducted. The burial ceremony usually takes place between the fourth and sixth day following the passing. As per Pope Francis’ memoir, “Hope: The Autobiography,” the late pope opted against the traditional papal funeral, finding it extravagant. He penned this in his book.

I’ve made an agreement with the event organizer to simplify the proceedings: there will be no funeral structure (catafalque), no formal closing ceremony for the casket, nor the transfer of the cypress casket into another lead and oak one. He will be honored with respect, as any Christian pastoral figure would be, recognizing that the Bishop of Rome is a shepherd and a follower, not someone wielding worldly power.

Instead, he’ll be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, departing from the long-standing practice of burial in Saint Peter’s Crypt. Yet, this choice aligns with the humility he consistently displayed during his papal term.

Between a pope’s demise and the commencement of a conclave, gatherings known as “General Assemblies” are held. These meetings allow the College of Cardinals to come together and deliberate on crucial matters pertaining to the Catholic Church. During these discussions, they also decide on dates such as the late pope’s funeral and the start of the conclave. The film “Conclave” omitted these events. As per ABC News, following Pope Francis’ death, the General Assemblies will be held in Synod Hall within Vatican City starting from April 22nd.

How Long Does The Conclave Last In Real Life?

The Conclave Lasts As Long As It Takes To Elect A New Pope

During the commencement of the conclave, the events portrayed in the 2024 film “Conclave” bear a strong resemblance to actual life. The College of Cardinals is isolated and cut off from external contact until a new pope has been selected. The conclave continues until the Cardinal Electors reach a consensus on a new pope, requiring a two-thirds majority. Voting occurs multiple times each day, with the exception of the first day which permits only a single vote.

Despite the fact that the longest papal conclave ever recorded spanned three years, as reported by NPR, all conclaves from 1831 onwards have lasted no more than five days, and those since the early 1900s have been under four days long. In contrast, Pope Francis was chosen in a mere one-day conclave.

In the 2025 papal election, the College of Cardinals has narrowed down their potential candidates to 22 out of 252 members, who are qualified to be the next pope. Remarkably, half of these nominees were appointed by the late Pope Francis himself. Among those eligible to vote, there are 135 cardinals. Following the style depicted in the movie “Conclave”, the public will learn about the election results through the use of smoke signals. A white smoke signal signifies that a new pope has been chosen, whereas black smoke indicates the need for another round of voting.

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2025-04-22 06:02