Pope Francis' Demise Tributed by Mireille Mathieu: Recalling the Good-Natured Mien of the Late Pontiff, Who Crossed Paths with Her in 2019

Remembrances flood in after Pope Francis' demise on April 21, following a cerebral vascular incident. A multitude of political heavyweights, athletes, and artists have expressed their condolences for Jorge Bergoglio, who departed at the age of 88 after a twelve-year tenure as pontiff. On our site, Mireille Mathieu shared her recollections of meeting the Argentinean, during a private audience in December 2019. At the time, the Frenchwoman performed for the pope during a special occasion.

"It was for a gala event. The pope was dedicated to promoting peace and environmental conservation, particularly for the Amazon," Mathieu fondly recollected, highlighting "his kind-heartedness" and "a formidable persona," the late head of the Catholic Church was renowned for. "An unforgettable moment filled with emotion," she posted on her Facebook, at the time.

"I am a faithful believer, I am the youngest of 14 siblings, and my faith plays a significant role in my life," Mathieu emphasized, visibly moved. "Religion is a source of comfort for me. It's an integral part of my life and my family." She had also encountered Pope John Paul II, one of Francis' predecessors, at the Vatican.

From the demise of the Pope to the emergence of the smoke, what are the stages of selecting a successor?

According to the Vatican constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, there is a specific sequence of events that unfold in the selection of a new Pope.

Steps in the Selection Process

Announcement and Preparations
Upon the Pope's passing, the news is broadcast worldwide, commencing a period known as interregnum. This phase endures until a new Pope is elected.
During this period, the Camerlengo, a high-ranking cardinal, verifies the Pope's death, oversees preparations, and coordinates the subsequent conclave.
Conclave Preparations
Cardinals aged 80 or older are disqualified from voting, but they can participate in the pre-conclave deliberations.
The entire College of Cardinals must convene in Rome to partake in the conclave, usually within 15 to 20 days after the demise of the Pope.
Conclave and Voting
Eligible cardinals assemble in the Sistine Chapel, isolating themselves from outside influences until a new Pope is chosen.
Voting takes place in rounds, with each ballot destroyed after voting. Black smoke signals a lack of consensus, while white smoke signals the selection of a new Pope.
To become Pope, a candidate must garner a two-thirds majority of the votes from the participating cardinals.
Acceptance and Papal Name
Once elected, the candidate is asked if he is willing to take up the position by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.
The new Pope then picks his papal name and dons the papal attire.
Introduction to the World
The new Pope appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he is presented to the global audience by the senior cardinal deacon with the traditional phrase, "Habemus Papam" (Latin for "we have a Pope").
Enthronement (Inauguration)
Although not an essential part of the conclave process, the new Pope typically holds an inauguration mass, marking the beginning of his papacy. This ceremony often transpires a few days after the election.

The process from the death to the selection of a new Pope usually takes approximately two to three weeks.

During the announcement and preparations for a new Pope, the Camerlengo, a high-ranking cardinal, verifies the death of the previous Pope and oversees the preparations for the conclave.
Catholics worldwide mourn the loss of their Pope during the interregnum period, which lasts until a new Pope is chosen.
The French singer Mireille Mathieu, the youngest of 14 siblings, shared her recollections of meeting Pope Francis during a private audience in December 2019, expressing her faith and religious devotion on social media.
A multitude of celebrities and entertainment industry personalities, including Mathieu, have historically expressed their emotions and tributes for the late pope on social media platforms.