Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, as announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell at 7:35 AM. This marked a significant moment for the Catholic Church, leading to preparations for a conclave that will elect his successor. The Vatican has a tradition that the conclave must occur no sooner than 15 days and no later than 20 days after the Pope's death, which places the date for the conclave between May 6 and May 11, 2025.
As the world mourns, the Vatican is gearing up for one of its most significant events. The Misa Pro Eligendo Papa will be celebrated in the morning at the Basilica de San Pedro, followed by the cardinals moving to the Capilla Paolina to sing the hymn Veni Creator Spiritus, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. After this, the cardinals will proceed to the Capilla Sixtina, which will be locked once they enter, ensuring complete isolation from the outside world. The electors, who are cardinals under 80 years old, commit to absolute silence about the discussions that take place.
The duration of the conclave is unpredictable; it can last from just a few hours to several weeks. On the first day, only one vote is conducted, and from the second day onward, there are four voting rounds each day—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. For a cardinal to be elected Pope, he must secure a two-thirds majority. If consensus is not reached after numerous votes, which can go up to thirty rounds, a vote between the two cardinals with the most support is allowed, requiring only a simple majority.
The death of Pope Francis has also sparked renewed interest in religious-themed films. The movie "Cónclave," directed by Edward Berger, has seen a remarkable resurgence, with views increasing by 283% in the days following the Pope's death. On Sunday, April 20, 2025, the film generated 1.8 million minutes viewed, which skyrocketed to 6.9 million minutes on the day of the Pope's passing. This film, based on the novel by Robert Harris, delves into the secret rituals of the Vatican following a Pope's death.
In Catalunya and Spain, 31 cinemas are showing "Cónclave" starting Friday, April 25, 2025. Some notable locations include Mooby Aribau, Mooby Arenas de Barcelona, and Bosque Multicines. The film will be available in several cities, including Olot, Terrassa, Sabadell, and Figueres. For those who prefer to watch from home, the film is available on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Rakuten, with rental prices ranging from €3.99 to €4.99.
In the wake of Pope Francis's death, the Vatican has seen an influx of visitors wishing to pay their respects. Over 250,000 people visited the Basilica de San Pedro to honor the Pope over three days. The viewing hours were extended to accommodate the large number of mourners, with the chapel remaining open until 7:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025, to allow as many people as possible to say goodbye.
The funeral mass is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 AM, officiated by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals. After the mass, Pope Francis's remains will be transferred to the Basilica Papal de Santa María la Mayor, where he will be buried according to his wishes outlined in his will.
Access to the Plaza de San Pedro for the funeral will be free until capacity is reached, and it is expected that around 200,000 people will attend the ceremonies. This event marks the first funeral of an active Pope in 20 years, and security measures are unprecedented, with 3,000 volunteers and numerous medical units mobilized to ensure safety.
Prominent figures expected to attend include former U.S. President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, as well as current President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. The Italian Ministry of Interior has prepared for a large influx of attendees, estimating that the funeral will attract significant international representation, with at least 130 countries expected to send delegates.
As the Vatican prepares for this historic moment, the legacy of Pope Francis—who was known for his humility and connection to the people—will be remembered. His death has not only impacted the Catholic community but has also resonated with many around the world, prompting discussions about the future direction of the Church.
In the days following his passing, tributes have poured in from various leaders and communities, reflecting on the profound influence he had during his papacy. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences, stating, "The State of Israel expresses its most sincere condolences to the Catholic Church and the global Catholic community for the death of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace."
As the world watches and waits for the conclave to begin, one thing is clear: Pope Francis's impact will be felt long after his passing, and the Church stands at a pivotal moment in its history, ready to embark on a new chapter.
