Egypt Daily News – Condolence messages poured in from around the world on Monday following the death of Pope Francis. The Vatican had announced earlier in a recorded statement the passing of the Pope, the first Latin American to lead the Catholic Church, bringing an end to a tumultuous papacy often marked by division and tension, as he sought to reform the ancient institution, which faced harsh criticism and significant controversy. The Pope died at the age of 88 after suffering various health issues during his 12-year papacy.
The Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt mourns Pope Francis as “a true example of Christian humility”
In a statement, the Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt expressed its condolences and described the late Pope as “a true example of Christian humility.”
It noted that he “dedicated his life to serving the Catholic Church, both in Argentina and during the 12 years he sat on the Holy See of Rome.”
Steps to Choose a Successor
Following the announcement of Pope Francis’s death, the Roman Catholic Church must now begin a complex set of traditions governing the transition from one papacy to another. These rituals are largely dictated by the Apostolic Constitution, established by Pope John Paul II in 1996 and later amended by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007 and 2013.
During the “sede vacante” (vacant see) period, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Irish-American, will manage the Church’s daily affairs as Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church. His confirmation of the Pope’s death required the presence of a physician and a death certificate, a much simpler process compared to older practices—such as tapping the Pope’s forehead with a silver hammer three times.
The Pope’s body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the public can pay their final respects. This is overseen by the Camerlengo and three assisting cardinals under the age of 80, known as the cardinal electors. They are also responsible for destroying the Fisherman’s Ring, which is sealed with lead to prevent misuse. The Pope’s body will not undergo an autopsy.
The Camerlengo seals the Pope’s personal quarters with red wax. Unlike past popes who resided in the Apostolic Palace, Francis lived in a modest suite at the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse.
No major decisions affecting Church doctrine or direction can be made until a new pope is elected. Heads of Vatican departments submit their resignations, awaiting either reconfirmation or replacement by the new pope.
The mourning period lasts nine days, during which the cardinals set the date for the funeral and burial, typically between the fourth and sixth day after death.
The Papal Funeral
Pope Francis, known for his rejection of extravagance, simplified the papal funeral rites in 2024.
Though the funeral Mass is expected to be held in St. Peter’s Square, Francis requested to be buried in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, not in the traditional crypts under St. Peter’s.
He also asked to be buried in a simple wooden casket, unlike his predecessors who were buried in three nested coffins (cypress, lead, and oak).
Additionally, he did not want his body displayed on an elevated platform inside the basilica.
The Conclave
After the Pope’s death, cardinals from around the world travel to Rome for daily meetings known as general congregations, where they discuss the state of the Church and the qualities needed in a new pope.
While cardinals over 80 may attend these discussions, only those under 80 can vote in the secret conclave that elects the next pope.
Traditionally, a 15-day mourning period precedes the conclave, although Pope Benedict XVI previously amended the rules to allow it to begin earlier if all electors are present, and no later than 20 days after the Pope’s death.
The conclave is held in the Sistine Chapel. Until the elections of John Paul I and John Paul II, cardinals stayed in makeshift rooms nearby. Since 2005, they have resided in Casa Santa Marta, which has about 130 rooms. The residence is locked during the conclave, and the cardinals are transported by bus to the Sistine Chapel.
The conclave, known as “conclave” (from the Latin for “with a key”), refers to the historical practice of locking cardinals in until they made a decision, in order to minimize external influence.
During the conclave, participants are completely cut off from the outside world—no phones, internet, or newspapers. Vatican police use electronic security devices to enforce this.
Cardinals cast two ballots daily, except on the first day when only one vote is held. To be elected, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority plus one.
If no one is elected after 13 days, a runoff vote is held between the top two candidates, but the two-thirds rule still applies to ensure unity.
“Habemus Papam”
Once a new pope is elected, he is asked whether he accepts the papacy and what name he wishes to take. If he declines, the election resumes.
The new pope dons a white cassock—prepared in three sizes—and sits on the papal chair in the Sistine Chapel, where the cardinals pledge their allegiance.
The world learns of the new pope when white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling a successful vote. Black smoke means no consensus.
Then, Cardinal Protodeacon, currently Dominique Mamberti of France, appears on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and announces:“Habemus Papam” (We have a Pope).
The newly elected pope then gives his first blessing to the crowds.
