ALBAWABA - All eyes are concentrated on the Vatican as Pope Francis lies in the hospital with pneumonia in his both lungs. Concerns about what will happen if the Pope dies have been asked on social media.
According to Politico, Pope Francis agreed last year to get a humble funeral for himself, scrubbing more arcane rites and rituals, which are usually conducted when a pope passes away.
It is worth noting that, Francis lost part of his lung to a respiratory infection in his youth and now he is suffering a kidney failure following blood tests in the hospital where he remains, Associated Press reported Sunday.
He wrote on X yesterday: "I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!"
Pope Francis celebrates the Holy Mass of the Epiphany in St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on January 6, 2025. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
What happens when the Pope dies?
First of all, the camerlengo, who is a senior Vatican official, is the one responsible for announcing the pope's death. Currently, Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell is the Vatican's camerlengo.
According to tradition, nine days of mourning, known as the Novendiale, which is an Ancient Roman custom, are held when the Pope passes away. In addition, Italy declares a period of national mourning.
Usually, hundreds of thousands will line up to pay tribute as the body is placed in St. Peter’s Basilica after the Pope is dressed in papal vestments. The pope’s funeral could be held in St. Peter’s Square four or six days after his death, according to Politico as prayers continue.
The election of a new pope is held after two to three weeks following the funeral. The College of Cardinals will hold a secret meeting in the Sistine Chapel in which they vote for a new replacement.
According to traditions, about 120 cast their ballots for a new candidate. After the votes are counted, smoke is raised from the chimney, if it is black smoke then no one was elected, but white smoke means one has.
