Mourning a Shepherd: The Church After the Passing of Pope Francis

The Universal Church now finds herself in a moment of profound sorrow and sacred transition. On April 21, 2025, the Lord called home His faithful servant, Pope Francis, the 266th successor of Saint Peter. As the bells of Rome tolled and the faithful wept, the Church, in her timeless tradition, began the solemn rites of mourning while preparing for the sacred task of choosing a new shepherd.

This is a moment not only of mourning but also of deep contemplation. Catholics around the world are invited to reflect on the gift of papal leadership, the mystery of the Church guided by the Holy Spirit, and the enduring hope rooted in Christ.

What Happens When the Pope Dies?

[The body of Pope Leo XIII is carried with great pomp to the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, back cover illustration from 'Le Petit Journal', supplement illustre, 2nd August 1903]

The death of a Pope initiates a precise and ancient process rooted in centuries of tradition. The Camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, carries the responsibility of confirming the Pope’s death and overseeing the daily governance of the Church during the sede vacante, the vacant seat of Peter.

The Pope’s Apostolic Palace is sealed, symbolizing the pause in earthly papal authority. The Fisherman’s Ring, which bears the Pope’s seal, is ceremonially destroyed in a gesture that honors his passing and safeguards the integrity of the Church.

For nine days, the Church enters the novemdiales, a period of mourning filled with daily Masses, prayers, and reflections offered for the soul of the departed Holy Father. During this sacred time, faithful Catholics are encouraged to pray not only for Pope Francis but also for the future of the Church.

[The coffin with the body of Pope Francis is carried into St. Peter's Basilica]

Final Resting Place: St. Mary Major Basilica

[Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Interior, Bergamo, Italy]

Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the most treasured churches in all of Christendom. It is not only the largest Marian church in Rome but also one of the four papal basilicas. Built in the fifth century following the Council of Ephesus, which declared Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer), it has been a place of prayer, pilgrimage, and miracles for over 1,500 years.

Within its sacred walls are ancient mosaics, relics of the Holy Crib, and the revered icon of Salus Populi Romani. Generations of popes and saints have knelt here in prayer, entrusting their needs and those of the world to the Mother of God. Now, Pope Francis will be among them in eternal rest.

Unlike his immediate predecessors who were laid to rest in the Vatican Grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis requested to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major. This decision speaks volumes about his spiritual heart.

Throughout his pontificate, Pope Francis expressed a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially through the image of Salus Populi Romani, housed within the basilica. He frequently visited the icon before and after apostolic journeys, laying bouquets of flowers before Our Lady and praying for her intercession.

His final resting place in this Marian sanctuary is a testament to his humility, his love for Our Lady, and his desire to remain close to the people, even in death.

[Praying Pope Francis and the image of Salus Populi Romani]

How Is the Next Pope Chosen?

[Sacred College of Cardinals]

The election of the next Pope is both a momentous responsibility and a spiritual act. The College of Cardinals, composed of those under the age of 80, will enter conclave in the Sistine Chapel between May 6 and May 12, 2025. There, removed from all external influence and bound in silence, they will seek not personal preferences but divine guidance.

The faithful are encouraged to pray fervently for the cardinals, that they may be docile to the whisper of the Holy Spirit. A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new Pontiff, ensuring that the decision is one of consensus and unity.

White smoke from the Sistine Chapel will signal to the world that a new Vicar of Christ has been chosen. With the ancient words Habemus Papam, the Church will welcome her new shepherd.

How Long Will the Conclave Last?

[Michelangelo's Last Judgement, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City]

While conclaves in earlier centuries could last months, recent history suggests a shorter process. Pope Benedict XVI was elected in two days; Pope Francis, in less than three. The conclave will continue until the will of the Holy Spirit is clear and a successor to Saint Peter has been found.

When the new Pope appears at the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he will offer his first blessing urbi et orbi, to the city and to the world. It is a deeply moving moment, one that renews the Church’s visible unity and affirms the promise of Christ: "Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam" (You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church).

[Christ Handing the Key to St. Peter, Pietro Perugino, Sistine Chapel, Vatican City]

Join us in a Prayer for the Church and the Soul of Pope Francis...

Heavenly Father, source of all wisdom and mercy, we commend to Your loving arms the soul of Pope Francis, Your faithful servant.

Grant him eternal light and peace for his labors in tending Your flock with humility, joy, and love. Receive him into the company of Saints Peter and Paul, and of the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he so tenderly revered.

As we now await the guidance of Your Holy Spirit, bless the College of Cardinals with courage and unity. Lead them to the one You have chosen to be our next Holy Father, a man after Your own heart.

Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us, protect the Church in this time of transition, and wrap Your mantle around us.

We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

[Art credit: Faithworks]

In this time of sacred stillness, may the faithful renew their trust in Christ, the Head of the Church. May we mourn in hope, pray in faith, and await with joy the new shepherd whom God will raise to lead His holy people.

Requiescat in pace, Papa Franciscus.