Pope Francis Dies at Age 88, Inciting Global Grief and Homages
In the heart of Rome, the world watches as the Roman Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pope following the passing of Pope Francis. The late pontiff, recognised for his commitment to social justice, compassionate approach, and impact on both the Church and the world, will be deeply missed.
King Charles III paid tribute to Pope Francis, acknowledging the profound effect he had on countless lives. Across the globe, individuals and communities are mourning the loss of a guiding light embodying the values of mercy and love. BBC reporters have captured emotional scenes in St Peter's Square as mourners gather to pay their respects.
The process of electing a new pope is carried out through a papal conclave, a secretive gathering of the Church's cardinals. The conclave begins approximately 15 to 20 days after the pope's death, and only male cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote and participate.
Cardinals are housed in the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae residence, cutting off all external communication such as phones, televisions, and newspapers to ensure secrecy and focus. Before entering the Sistine Chapel, where the voting occurs, each cardinal takes a solemn oath of secrecy and fidelity, under penalty of excommunication if they break confidentiality.
Once inside the Sistine Chapel, the doors are locked, symbolising separation from the outside world and reliance on divine guidance. The cardinals cast secret ballots, with a two-thirds majority required to elect the pope. The votes are counted, and the smoke emitted through the Sistine Chapel chimney signals the vote’s result to the public outside: black smoke for no pope elected, white smoke for a new pope chosen.
If no candidate achieves a two-thirds majority after three days, the voting pauses for a day of prayer and reflection. If still deadlocked, only the two frontrunners from the last ballot remain eligible in a runoff vote to break the impasse.
When a cardinal receives the necessary votes, he is asked if he accepts the election. Upon acceptance, he selects his papal name, which traditionally differs from his baptismal name and often honours a historic predecessor. The election ends with the senior cardinal deacon announcing "Habemus Papam" ("We have a pope!") from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of the new pope's papacy.
As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, the Vatican prepares for the election of a new leader, guided by the Holy Spirit and aiming to ensure the unity and continuity of the Catholic Church's leadership. The papacy of Pope Francis, known for its humility and outreach, is coming to an end, leaving behind a legacy that will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, the Vatican also prepares to elect a new pope who will continue to guide the Roman Catholic Church. Amidst general-news coverage and entertainment segments highlighting the process, the papal conclave remains a secretive gathering where cardinals cast their votes under a solemn oath of secrecy.
