The passing of Pope Francis marked a moment of mourning for all Roman Catholics, losing a figure whose influence has shaped faith across continents.

The Pontifical University of Santo Tomas joined "the Universal Church and the world in mourning” the passing of the pope, honoring his legacy of compassion, justice, and dialogue. It also recalls his visit to the University in 2015.

In a statement, the University expressed hope and faith in the Resurrection, inspired by his humility and dedication to the Church and its mission.

Behind this public sorrow is an intricate process quietly unfolding within the walls of the Vatican.

When the pope dies, the Catholic Church enters a period called papal interregnum, or the period “between the reigns” from one pope to another.

During Pope Francis’ term, revisions were made during papal interregnum. Some parts of this period have been revised to reflect his pastoral simplicity and emphasis on humility.

Guiding documents during the papal interregnum

Two documents guide the Church during the solemn period –* Universi Dominici Gregis*, the apostolic constitution governing the interregnum and conclave, and Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis, the official funeral rites guide.

In 2024, the pope approved the revisions of the Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis.

According to the papal master of ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, the pope himself requested the second edition “to simplify and adapt certain rites so that the celebration of the funeral of the Bishop of Rome may better express the faith of the Church in the Risen Christ.”

Immediately after the pope’s death, the camerlengo, whom the previous pope appointed to administer some functions in the Vatican to ensure that proper institutions continue their services, steps in. He calls the pope’s baptismal name three times to confirm his passing.

Another symbolic adjustment made by the pope is that the formal certification of death now takes place in the pope’s private chapel, not the room where he dies.

The camerlengo informs the cardinal vicar of Rome (Cardinal Baldassare Reina), who then announces the pope’s death to the city and the world.

Following this, the fisherman’s ring, the pope’s symbol of authority, is destroyed. The papal apartment is sealed, and the sede vacante (chair is vacant) period begins.

Changes in wake and funeral traditions

In death, Pope Francis will continue the simplicity that defined his papacy.

The pope’s body will be placed and remain in an open coffin instead of a bier or catafalque, which was used by previous popes, a revision made by him.

Gone are the three-layered coffins of cypress, lead, and oak. He chose a single wooden coffin with a zinc lining and dressed in a red chasuble, a simple white mitre, the pallium, and holding his pastoral staff.

Additionally, his body will be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, skipping the traditional exposition at the Apostolic Palace. Here, people may offer prayers and a farewell to the pope.

Nine days of mourning and the pope’s burial

For nine days, the Church enters a mourning period where a cardinal celebrates Masses for the repose of the pope’s soul. It is also called the Novendiales.

The funeral is typically held between the fourth and sixth day after death and is led by the dean of the College of Cardinals. It will draw cardinals, bishops, foreign dignitaries, royalty, and pilgrims from across the globe.

Most popes were buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. But Pope Francis, again breaking tradition, chose the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore as his final resting place — a church close to his heart, where he frequently prayed before and after his apostolic journeys. It has been over three centuries since a pope was interred there.

Conclave and the election of the new pope

Fifteen days after the pope’s death, the conclave begins, the closed-door election of the next pontiff.

Only cardinals under 80 years old are allowed to vote.

On the morning of the conclave, cardinals celebrate the “Missa Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” — the Mass for electing the new pope. Then, in the afternoon, they process to the Sistine Chapel, chanting the Litany of Saints. Beneath Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, each cardinal takes a solemn oath of secrecy.

“Extra omnes” or “Everyone out.” The doors close, and the Church waits.

Inside, the cardinals vote up to four times a day, until one receives a two-thirds majority. Ballots are burned after each round — black smoke (fumata negra) means no decision, white smoke (fumata blanca) signals a new pope.

When consensus is reached, the protodeacon, the most senior cardinal deacon, steps onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica and declares: “Habemus Papam,” which translates to “We have a pope.”

The newly elected pontiff then appears to give his first blessing, “Urbi et Orbi,” to the city and to the world.