What happens after the Pope dies?
The death of a Pope marks the beginning of a series of events that lead to the eventual start of a conclave and election of a new Successor of St. Peter. We lay out in detail the events that lead to the election of a new Pope. By Lisa Zengarini …
From sede vacante to conclave: Key terms to know at the start of a papal transition
By Matthew Bunson Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Apr 22, 2025 / 11:12 am The start of a papal interregnum brings many terms that may not be familiar to many people, including many Catholics. Here are some of the key words and phrases that will be used throughout the interregnum, especially the conclave …
Pope Francis’ final hours and gratitude for returning to the Square
Among the final words of the late Pope Francis was a “thank you” to his personal healthcare assistant, Massimiliano Strappetti, for encouraging him to take one last ride in the popemobile on Sunday after the Urbi et Orbi. He rested in the afternoon, had a quiet dinner, and then at …
Pope Francis’ 2015 visit to the United States
By Jonah McKeown CNA Staff, Apr 22, 2025 / 07:00 am Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88, visited the United States just once, nearly 10 years ago, in September 2015. Despite the brevity of the visit, he accomplished a lot: Attracting hundreds of thousands of participants, he …
LIVE UPDATES: Pope Francis funeral announced for Saturday
by CNA Staff Vatican City, Apr 22, 2025 / 07:32 am Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little …
Vatican releases first photos of Pope Francis after his death
By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Apr 22, 2025 / 06:55 am The Vatican on Tuesday released the first photos of Pope Francis after his death, showing him dressed in red vestments and lying in a simple, wooden coffin inside the chapel of the Santa Marta guesthouse. The photos, taken on the …
Pope Francis’ spiritual testament
Pope Francis’ spiritual testament, dated 29 June 2022, has been published, giving indications for his burial in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Miserando atque Eligendo In the name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen. As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in …
Pope Francis’ death: Vatican holds first step in papal funeral rites
By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Apr 21, 2025 / 16:58 pm Following Pope Francis’ death at age 88 on Easter Monday, the Vatican carried out the first stage in the papal funeral rites, called “the rite of the ascertainment of death and deposition in the coffin.” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, presided …
Vatican releases Pope Francis’ cause of death
By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Apr 21, 2025 / 14:53 pm The Holy See on Monday evening released the death certificate detailing the cause of death of Pope Francis, who died in his Vatican apartment at 7:35 a.m. in Rome on April 21, the day after Easter. After an examination, Vatican …
