Pope Francis died Monday at the age of 88, the first sitting pontiff to die since Pope John Paul II’s passing in 2005. His death kicks off the long process of naming his successor, beginning with a period of mourning.
The first indication the public receives of the pope dying is the mourning bell of St. Peter’s Basilica, which rang 88 times, once for each year of Pope Francis’ life.
A mourning period will last nine days, with Pope Francis’ funeral likely taking place within the first six days.
After the funeral, the College of Cardinals will gather in Rome to begin the conclave about two to three weeks after the pope’s death, during which the next pope is elected. In order to become the next pope, a candidate must receive two-thirds of the votes.
During the conclave, results of votes are communicated via smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel, where voting takes place: black smoke indicates no pope has been chosen, while white smoke means the Catholic church has a new pope.
Once elected, the new pope will emerge onto the balcony overlooking St. Peter’s Square, where they will address the faithful for the first time.
His first installment mass will be held about five days later.
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Possible picks for the next pope
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While any Catholic man can be chosen for the position, there’s a short list of religious leaders from across the globe considered top candidates when cardinals start voting, according to Mathew Schmalz, professor at the College of the Holy Cross.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley retired as Boston’s archbishop last year, but remains a respected voice in the Vatican. The 80-year-old, who now lives in Rome, is one of the few Americans mentioned as a serious contender.
“I think O’Malley would be the only one who has the stature internationally and also the pastoral presence that would be seriously considered as pope,” Schmalz said.
Some attention is focused on Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Rahn, of Sri Lanka — a figure who could bridge both sides of the church.
“The interesting thing about Ranjith is that he was a conservative and known as a conservative, but he has also aligned himself with Pope Francis, so he might be a compromise candidate,” Schmalz said.
Another possible pick has seen his influence grow amid a global conflict.
“Then perhaps Cardinal [Pierbattista] Pizzaballa who is cardinal in the Holy Land now, whose stature has risen as he’s dealt with the crisis in Gaza,” Schmalz said.
The candidate considered by many to be the odds-on favorite is a Vatican insider.
“Cardinal Luis Tagle who used to be the Cardinal Archbishop of Manila in the Philippines, he’s a particular favorite of Pope Francis,” Schmalz said.
Also being mentioned as a possible next pontiff, an outspoken critic of Pope Francis — Cardinal Robert Sarah of Guinea. He would be the first pope from Africa in 1,500 years.
And, from northern Italy, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, a street priest from Bologna, is considered close to Francis in style and values.
Known for his peace work and progressive voice, he is seen as a continuity candidate.
With a history of surprises, the conclave of cardinals may choose someone few Catholics expect.
“When Pope Francis was elected, most people thought he would be too old. He was second to Cardinal Ratzinger at the time, who became Benedict the 16th, but many thought his time had passed. But we were all proven wrong,” Schmalz said.
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