The death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, has set in motion a series of events culminating in a significant papal conclave, where 133 cardinal electors will gather to choose his successor. The loss of two cardinal-electors, Croatian Cardinal Vinko Puljic and Spanish Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, both aged 79, due to health issues, has reduced the number of participants from 135 to 133. This reduction means that only 89 votes will be needed for a two-thirds majority in the conclave, which is yet to have an official opening date.
As preparations for the conclave unfold, the Holy See Press Office has remained silent on the absence of the two cardinals but is expected to release more information soon. Meanwhile, the focus is on the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for April 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter's Square. This event is anticipated to draw a massive crowd, including both Catholics and non-Catholics alike, as tributes pour in from around the world honoring the legacy of the first pope from the Americas.
According to estimates, foreign visitor numbers to Italy are reaching historic highs due to the Vatican Jubilee, with over 32 million pilgrims expected to visit Rome. This influx, combined with regular tourism, complicates logistics for those wishing to pay their respects. Mountain Butorac, a pilgrimage leader, noted that while there will be a significant media presence, he expects attendance at the funeral to mirror that of Pope Benedict XVI's, rather than the overwhelming four million who attended Pope John Paul II's funeral in 2005.
In a poignant reflection of Pope Francis's impact, streaming views of the film "Conclave," which dramatizes the inner workings of a papal election, surged by 283% following the announcement of his death. The film, starring Ralph Fiennes, saw its viewership skyrocket from 1.8 million minutes on April 20 to 6.9 million by April 21. Similarly, the 2019 film "The Two Popes" experienced a 417% increase in viewership, illustrating the public's heightened interest in the papacy during this transitional period.
Pope Francis, who passed away from complications related to a stroke, was known for his approachable demeanor and progressive policies. His funeral will include a period of lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica, where the public can pay their respects from April 23 until the day of the funeral. Following the service, Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, marking a departure from the traditional burial practices of his predecessors.
During the mourning period, known as the "Novendiales," masses will be held daily until May 4, allowing the faithful to honor the late pope's memory. The conclave, which cannot commence until at least 15 days after his death, is projected to begin no sooner than May 6, with cardinals from around the world converging on Rome for the election.
Significantly, Pope Francis's legacy includes a notable shift in the composition of the College of Cardinals. Among the 135 cardinal electors eligible for the conclave, 108 were appointed by him, reflecting his commitment to a more diverse and representative Church. This shift is particularly evident in the increased representation of cardinals from Asia, Africa, and Oceania, as the number of Asian cardinal electors has more than doubled from 10 to 23. This change symbolizes a move away from the historically Eurocentric focus of the papacy.
In a recent press conference, Malaysian Cardinal Sebastian Francis emphasized the need for a pope who embodies compassion and inclusivity, reflecting the diverse concerns of the global Catholic community. The evolving demographics of the College of Cardinals suggest that future papal elections will increasingly consider the perspectives of the Majority World, where 66 of the 135 cardinals now hail from regions outside Europe and North America.
As the world watches and waits for the next pope to emerge from the conclave, the significance of Pope Francis's contributions to the Church and his focus on global issues—such as climate change, social justice, and interfaith dialogue—will undoubtedly influence the direction of the Catholic Church in the years to come.
Travelers heading to Rome for the funeral and conclave should be prepared for busy streets and long lines, as the city gears up for an influx of visitors. With two international airports and various transport options, reaching the heart of the Vatican will be manageable, though accommodations may be scarce due to the Jubilee celebrations. Hotels near St. Peter's Basilica are already heavily booked, and prices have surged as the date approaches.
Visitors hoping to experience the papal legacy should also explore other historical sites in Rome, as many Vatican attractions will be closed during the mourning period. The Castel Sant'Angelo, once a papal fortress, and the basilicas of San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, and San Paolo Fuori le Mura offer rich insights into the Church's history and its enduring influence on the city.
In summary, as the Catholic Church stands at a crossroads following the passing of Pope Francis, the upcoming conclave represents not just a transition in leadership but also a potential reorientation of the Church's global mission. With a diverse pool of cardinal electors poised to make a monumental decision, the future of the papacy may be shaped by the very principles that Pope Francis championed during his remarkable tenure.
