After Pope Francis: What Comes Next for the Catholic Church
As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, the Church enters a sacred moment of reflection, mourning, and preparation for its next leader.
A Moment of Mourning and Transition
The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, marks the end of a papacy defined by compassion, reform, and a deep concern for the marginalized. Known for his humility, simplicity, and call for a “Church of the poor for the poor,” Francis led the Catholic Church for 12 years. His death leaves behind not just a vacancy in leadership but a legacy of mercy and pastoral care that touched the hearts of believers and non-believers alike.
Now begins the sacred and structured process the Church follows whenever the seat of Peter is left empty—sede vacante.
What Happens Now?
Sede Vacante Begins:
With the Pope’s death, the Vatican enters a period of sede vacante, meaning “the seat is vacant.” During this time, all regular functions of the papal office pause. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo, now temporarily oversees administrative duties, including the official confirmation of death and sealing of the papal apartments.Novemdiales and the Funeral:
A nine-day period of mourning known as the Novemdiales begins. During this time, daily Masses are held in remembrance of Pope Francis, and his body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for the faithful to pay their respects. In accordance with his wishes, he will be laid to rest in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.The Conclave:
Within 15 to 20 days of the Pope’s passing, a conclave of cardinal electors (cardinals under the age of 80) will be convened in the Sistine Chapel. There are currently 135 eligible electors. To become pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority vote. The decision is made in secret, and once a new pope is chosen, white smoke will rise above the Vatican, signaling to the world that the Church has a new shepherd.
Who Could Be the Next Pope?
While no one can predict the outcome of the conclave with certainty, several cardinals are already being named as frontrunners:
Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): The Vatican Secretary of State and a skilled diplomat, Parolin is seen as someone who could offer continuity with Francis’ reforms.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Beloved for his warmth and considered a “pastoral pope” in waiting, Tagle could become the first Asian pope—a powerful symbol of the Church’s growth in the Global South.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy): A man of peace and dialogue, Zuppi has experience in conflict resolution and a strong sense of social justice.
Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): Known for his work on social and environmental issues, Turkson would become the first African pope in over a thousand years.
Cardinal Péter Erdő (Hungary): A respected theologian and canon law expert, Erdő is viewed as a voice for traditionalist Catholics.
Each candidate represents a different vision for the future of the Church—more pastoral, more traditional, more global. The cardinals' decision will send a powerful signal about the Church's direction in the decades to come.
A Time for Prayer and Reflection
For Catholics around the world, this is not only a political or procedural moment—it is a spiritual one. The death of the Holy Father is an opportunity to pray for his soul and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit over the cardinals who will soon gather in conclave.
Whether you are Catholic or simply watching with interest, this is a moment to reflect on leadership, humility, and what it means to serve others. Pope Francis reminded us all, time and again, that greatness is found in service—and now, we await the next servant to step into the sandals of the fisherman.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life and ministry of Pope Francis. As we mourn his passing, we ask You to guide the Church through this transition. May Your Holy Spirit lead the cardinals to choose a new shepherd who loves You and Your people with a heart of humility, wisdom, and courage. Amen.