Vatican in Transition: After Pope Francis Passing

On April 21, 2025, the Catholic Church faced a turning point when Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America, passed away at 88. A stroke and heart failure claimed his life, and now the Vatican is moving through a time of mourning and transition, following centuries-old traditions to honour him and choose a new pope.

Right after his death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who helps manage the Church during this in-between period, announced the news. Pope Francis’ body was brought to St. Peter’s Basilica on April 23, where over 128,000 people have already come to say goodbye. The Church is holding nine days of special Masses, called the Novendiales, to pray for Francis and reflect on his work with groups like the poor and other faiths. His funeral, planned for April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, will be a simple service led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. About 200,000 people, including leaders from 130 countries, are expected to attend.

True to his humble nature, Pope Francis asked to be buried not in the Vatican but at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, in a plain tomb marked only with “Franciscus.” The Church is in a holding pattern called the sede vacante, meaning there’s no pope. The College of Cardinals, with Cardinal Farrell in charge, is handling things temporarily but can’t make big decisions. They’ve sealed off Francis’ rooms and destroyed his official ring and seal, which will be buried with him, to show his time as pope is over.

The next big step is the conclave, where a new pope will be chosen. It’s set to start between May 6 and May 11, 2025, unless the cardinals decide to begin earlier. About 135 cardinals under 80, including four from Canada. Thomas Collins, Michael Czerny, Gérald Cyprien Lacroix, and Francis Leo will vote in secret in the Sistine Chapel. They’ll keep voting until someone gets two-thirds of the votes plus one. When they pick a pope, white smoke will signal the news, and the new pope will step out to greet the world.

No one knows who’ll be chosen. Some think a conservative like Hungary’s Cardinal Peter Erdo could win, while others hope for a progressive like the Philippines’ Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle or a middle-ground choice like Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Francis named cardinals from places like Mongolia and Tonga, so a non-European pope is possible, though Italians often get the role.

Pope Francis was loved for his focus on the poor and his push for a more open Church. Now, people wonder if the next pope will follow his lead or take a different path. Crowds are gathering in St. Peter’s Square, and leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump have shared their sadness. As the world waits for a new pope, the Church is at a crossroads, blending tradition with hope for what’s next.