Overview

• Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, following recent health challenges including pneumonia and a lung infection.
• Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo, has certified the pope's death and sealed the papal apartment, marking the beginning of the sede vacante period.
• The funeral and interment will occur within four to six days, followed by nine days of official mourning known as the novendiali.
• The College of Cardinals, including 135 electors under age 80, will convene a conclave within 15–20 days to elect the next pope through secret ballots requiring a two-thirds majority.
• Pope Francis had simplified his funeral rites and chose to be buried at Mary Major Basilica rather than beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, aligning with his focus on humility.