Who Will Lead the Catholic Church? Here’s How the Next Pope Is Chosen

After months of battling a severe case of double pneumonia, Pope Francis, the 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, said on Monday.

His death, which occurred just four weeks after he was discharged from the hospital, has set in motion the centuries-old process of selecting a new pope—a ritual steeped in secrecy, tradition, and spiritual significance in the Catholic Church.

Who Is the Pope?

The pope, regarded as the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual successor to Saint Peter, serves as the supreme leader of the Catholic Church. His authority spans doctrinal, diplomatic, and pastoral realms, influencing 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.

Beyond religious matters, the pope wields soft power on global issues. Pope Francis was known for his advocacy on climate change, poverty, and human rights.

How Is a Pope Chosen?

The process of selecting a new pope follows a centuries-old tradition rooted in secrecy and ritual. When a pope dies or resigns, the Catholic Church convenes a conclave—a closed-door gathering of cardinals responsible for electing the next leader.

Here’s how it works:

1. Calling the Conclave

The College of Cardinals, consisting of senior church leaders under the age of 80, gathers at the Vatican. They are sequestered within the Sistine Chapel to ensure secrecy and avoid external influence.

2. The Voting Process

The election follows a ballot system. Each cardinal writes the name of their preferred candidate on a paper ballot, which is then collected and counted. A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.

If no candidate reaches the required majority, the voting continues until a consensus is reached.

After each round of voting, ballots are burned. Black smoke rising from the Vatican chimney indicates no decision has been made, while white smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen.

3. The New Pope Accepts the Role

Once elected, the chosen cardinal is asked if he accepts the role. If he agrees, he selects a papal name—a tradition dating back to the sixth century.

The new pope is then presented to the public on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the famous announcement “Habemus Papam” (“We have a Pope”) is made.

Historical Context: How the Papacy Has Evolved

The process of electing a pope has changed over time. In the early centuries of Christianity, popes were often chosen by clergy and laity in Rome. By the 11th century, Pope Nicholas II restricted the election to cardinals—a practice formalized in 1274 by Pope Gregory X. Over time, political interference—such as pressure from European monarchs—shaped the process, but modern conclaves prioritize independence and secrecy.

The Pope Francis Burial

Following his death, funeral arrangements for Francis are already in motion. After Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the pope’s camerlengo (chamberlain), officially announced his death, he proceeded to seal the pope’s private apartment and began preparations for the funeral.

While mourning is expected to last for nine days, the pope is to be buried within four to six days after his death. Historically, popes are buried in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. However, Pope Francis will be laid to rest at St. Peter’s Basilica, becoming the first pope in more than a century to be buried outside the Vatican.

Additionally, he will be buried in a simple wooden casket—unlike previous popes, who were buried in three nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak. This was Pope Francis’ attempt to make the burial of a pope a less complex affair.