Pope Francis dies, hours after last blessing

Key Points

• Pope Francis died at the age of 88
• During his 12 year Pontificate, Pope Francis traveled to 68 countries on evengelisation and peace mission

By Felix

Pope Francis has died this morning at his residence, the Vatican has announced.

His death comes few hours after he left the Urbi et Orbi, a traditional blessing a Pope gives to the World through St Peter’s square window in Rome.

He was wheeled to pass the blessing on Easter Sunday to a crowd that saw the ailing Pope wave to bless them. This was his last public appearance the Pope made after he was discharged from the hospital few weeks ago.

What happens when a Pope dies
His name is called three times and if there is no response, he is announced dead.

His death is then announced to the world by Cardinal Chamberlain, His Shepherd ring is destroyed to avoid any forgery of documents.

His body is then prepared to lie in state at the Vatican.

Later, a nine-day mourning is conducted.

After the Pope’s burial, a conclave of cardinals is called to elect a new Pope.

The election of the new Pope takes few days. A candidate whose ballot paper smoke comes out white after burning from the Sistine Chapel chimney is then declared the Pope (Habemus Papam).

Cardinals of 80 years and above are not legible to vote for a new Pope.

From now on, Catholic faithful will be called to conduct intense nine-day prayers and Funeral Mass is held daily at the Vatican till the Pope is buried in a crypt at St Peter’s Basilica.