What Happens After Pope Francis' Death? Who Will Become the Next Pope?

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at the age of 88 on April 21, 2025, following a stroke that came just a day after his Easter Sunday appearance in St. Peter's Square. His death marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church, and with it, the beginning of a crucial transition period known as the interregnum, during which the Church will operate without a Pope.

This article explores what happens next in the Vatican, who may be chosen as the next Pope, and how the election process unfolds.

Pope Francis was a groundbreaking figure in the Catholic Church. Elected in 2013, he became the first Latin American pontiff in history and was named TIME’s Person of the Year that same year. His papacy was defined by his humility, efforts to bring peace, and his calls for inclusivity and justice during turbulent global times.

Under his leadership, the Vatican took on several major issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gaza humanitarian crisis, and various social justice movements.

His death will be felt not only within the Church but across the global stage, as he was a major voice for peace and change. Following his passing, the Vatican enters a period of mourning. The novendiales, a nine-day period of mourning, will be observed, and then the process of selecting a new Pope will begin.

With Pope Francis' death, the Vatican enters the interregnum period, during which the seat of the Pope, known as the "sede vacante," is officially vacant. During this time, the governance of the Catholic Church is overseen by the camerlengo, the Cardinal responsible for the Church’s administration. The camerlengo ensures that all papal functions are managed until a new Pope is elected.

While the Pope’s death and the immediate mourning rituals take place, preparations for the next papal election begin. The election is a highly secretive process known as the conclave, which occurs about 15 to 20 days after the death.

During this time, the College of Cardinals gathers to elect a new Pope.

The election of the new Pope is held in the Sistine Chapel, surrounded by secrecy and tradition. The cardinals, the highest-ranking officials within the Catholic Church, are locked inside the chapel, forbidden from any communication with the outside world during the election process. This process is governed by centuries-old traditions and modern regulations.

First, the cardinals hold general congregations to discuss the issues facing the Church and the qualities needed in the next Pope. These meetings allow cardinals to reflect on the needs of the Church before making their selection. However, it is the conclave itself where the actual election occurs.

Only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote, with a maximum of 120 electors.

The voting process is secret, with each cardinal casting their vote in writing. The votes are then counted, and the candidate who receives a two-thirds majority becomes the new Pope. Once a candidate is selected, the dean of the College of Cardinals asks them if they accept the role and to choose a papal name.

The newly elected Pope then appears on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica to announce his election to the world.

In the wake of Pope Francis’ death, there is already speculation about who will succeed him. While predicting the next Pope is never a certainty, there are several key figures, known as "papabili," who are frequently mentioned as potential candidates.

These individuals are cardinals who are seen as the most likely choices to lead the Catholic Church based on their backgrounds, leadership qualities, and the direction they may take the Church.

One of the most prominent candidates is Jean-Marc Aveline, a 66-year-old French cardinal known for his support of migrants. Aveline, who fled his home country during a war, has made it a personal mission to promote interfaith dialogue, especially in regions with large Muslim populations. His stance on inclusivity and migration makes him a popular choice among progressive factions within the Church, and some sources suggest that Pope Francis viewed him as a potential successor.

Joseph Tobin, 72, Archbishop of Newark, is another leading contender. Tobin is considered highly progressive, with strong support for LGBTQ+ Catholics, women in the Church, and migrants. He is well-known for his opposition to Indiana's Governor Mike Pence's efforts to stop the resettlement of Syrian refugees and has been an outspoken advocate for social justice throughout his career. His progressive stance makes him a favorite among liberal Catholics, but his strong opinions on these issues could also make him a controversial pick for more conservative members of the Church.

Péter Erdő, 72, a Hungarian cardinal, represents a more conservative choice. Erdő has held strong traditional views on issues like same-sex marriage and divorce, which could appeal to more conservative members of the Church. His views on immigration, however, have drawn criticism, although it is believed that he has moderated some of these stances over time.

Other possible candidates include Peter Turkson, a Ghanaian cardinal who has long been an advocate for the poor and marginalized, and Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, who could become the first Asian Pope in history. Tagle is known for his progressive views, particularly regarding issues of language and inclusion within the Church, including his support for LGBTQ+ Catholics.

The next Pope will face a variety of challenges that will test their leadership abilities. Pope Francis was widely known for his efforts to modernize the Church and make it more inclusive. The next Pope will likely need to continue these efforts while also navigating the complex and often controversial issues that are at the forefront of global discourse, such as LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and the Church's stance on issues like divorce, marriage, and abortion.

The next pontiff will also need to address the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse within the Church. Pope Francis made strides in addressing the scandal, but it remains one of the most significant challenges facing the Catholic Church. The new Pope will need to work towards healing the wounds of the past and rebuilding the Church's credibility with its followers.

The next Pope must also continue to engage with the global political landscape. Pope Francis made it a priority to speak out on global issues such as climate change, poverty, and human rights. The next Pope will need to carry this mantle forward while balancing the needs and expectations of the Church's vast and diverse global membership.

The death of Pope Francis marks a significant moment in the history of the Catholic Church. His passing is an end to a transformative papacy that will be remembered for its focus on peace, inclusion, and social justice. However, his death also signals the beginning of a period of uncertainty as the Church prepares to choose a new leader.

The election of the new Pope will be a closely watched event, as it will determine the future direction of the Catholic Church. The next Pope will have big shoes to fill, and their leadership will play a critical role in shaping the Church’s future in a rapidly changing world.

As the cardinals begin their deliberations, the question on everyone’s mind remains: Who will be the next Pope, and how will they shape the future of the Catholic Church?