Papal transition process begins after death of Pope Francis I

In Vatican City, the Roman Catholic Church is currently in a state of mourning following the death of Pope Francis I on March 13, 2023, aged 88. The papal transition process, as outlined by the Universi Dominici Gregis constitution, dictates that the church enters an interregnum period where preparations for a new pope's election commence. The process involves the destruction of the deceased pope’s ring and the establishment of burial arrangements. The pope's burial is required to occur between four to six days after death, while the conclave, consisting of 120 eligible voting cardinals under the age of 80, can convene 15 to 20 days in the aftermath to elect his successor. Currently, there are 252 cardinals within the Sacred College, though only those below eight can take part in the conclave, which allows the church to ensure a timely transition in leadership. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Luis Tagle, and Cardinal Peter Turkson are among the potential candidates being considered as Bergoglio's successor. Once the conclave begins, the cardinals sequester themselves in the Sistine Chapel to deliberate and vote for the new pope, an electoral process that involves secrecy and a strict prohibition against self-voting. During this essential time, the voting ballots are burned after each round of voting, producing black smoke from the chapel’s chimney to inform the public of unresolved voting outcomes. Only when a decision is reached does white smoke signify the election of a new pope. Following this significant event, the senior cardinal deacon announces the new pope to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square with a declaration, “Habemus Papam,” which translates to “We have a pope!” With a history rich in traditions, the new pope selects a name reflecting his vision and mission, such as Pope Francis I, who chose his name in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi. This meticulous transition process ensures that the leadership of the Catholic Church continues in accordance with long-standing traditions that have developed over centuries. Pope Francis I's reign marked a significant turning point in church history. His priorities included addressing climate change, supporting various progressive social issues, and promoting inclusivity within the Catholic community. This focus has opened discussions about the future direction the church may take under a new leader, especially concerning contemporary societal challenges. As the church prepares for the future, it is essential to recognize the impact of the choices made during the conclave and the establishment of the new papacy after the interregnum.