Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell assumes the temporary leadership
Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters the “sede vacante” period, activating the Vatican protocol for the election of his successor. The conclave — the secretive process that gathers cardinals under the age of 80 in the Sistine Chapel — must begin between 15 and 20 days after the Pontiff’s passing, although it may start earlier if all eligible cardinals have already arrived in Rome.
Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Joseph Farrell assumes the temporary leadership of the Church and presides over the first official ceremonies, including the funeral Mass for the late Pope. Afterward, the deliberation stage begins: during the conclave, up to four votes are held each day until a consensus is reached. The elected candidate must obtain at least two-thirds of the votes and accept the role for the awaited “Habemus Papam” announcement to be made.
If the official timeframe is followed, the conclave could be held between Tuesday, May 6, and Sunday, May 11, depending on when all cardinals arrive in Vatican City. The process has no fixed duration, as voting rounds can continue until the necessary consensus is achieved. In modern history, however, these gatherings have been relatively brief. In 2013, for example, the conclave that elected Pope Francis lasted only two days.
Once elected, the new Pope will be presented to the world from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Catholic Church.
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