Overview

• Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, marking the start of the Sedisvakanz, the period during which the papal seat is vacant.
• The Camerlengo has completed the initial rites, including sealing the papal apartments and destroying the Ring of the Fisherman, symbolizing the end of the pontificate.
• The Cardinalskollegium has assumed interim governance, focusing on organizing the funeral, which is expected to occur within four to six days, and setting the conclave timetable.
• Pope Francis had requested to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, diverging from the tradition of burial beneath St. Peter's Basilica.
• The conclave to elect the next pope must convene within 15 to 20 days, involving 138 cardinal electors under the age of 80, with a two-thirds majority required for selection.