Pope Francis dies at 88: How the Vatican officially confirms a pontiff’s death

People pray following the death of Pope Francis, at Catholic Church in Chennai.

Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88, just a day after greeting delighted worshippers after Easter Mass. His death came less than a month after having been released from hospital following a 38-day battle with double pneumonia.

The death of Francis was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Irish-born Vatican camerlengo, a position that will be important in the coming weeks as he takes charge of the administration of the Holy See until a new pope is elected.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," Farrell said. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” The pontiff died in the Vatican's Domus Santa Marta, where he returned less than a month ago after being hospitalized for double pneumonia.

When a pope dies, the Vatican follows a deeply ceremonial and meticulously structured process to confirm and announce the death.

Verification by the Camerlengo: As the first step, the Camerlengo of the Holy Church -- a senior cardinal appointed by the pope to oversee church affairs between papacies – must formally confirm the death. This has traditionally involved him calling the pope by his baptismal name thrice and receiving no response. Although in the modern times, medical professionals conduct the actual verification. The Camerlengo may then officially pronounce the pope dead.

Removal of the Fisherman’s Ring: Once the death is confirmed, the Fisherman's Ring—a symbol of papal authority—is removed and ceremonially destroyed in front of other senior Vatican officials. This ensures that no documents can be fraudulently signed in the late pope’s name.

Sealing of the Papal Apartments: The Camerlengo orders the papal apartments to be sealed. This is a symbolic and procedural step marking the end of the pope’s reign.

Public Announcement: After the internal confirmation, the Holy See Press Office publicly announces the pope’s death to the world. The Vatican flag is flown at half-mast, and church bells are rung.

Notifications of Cardinals: The Camerlengo then notifies all cardinals of the pope’s death, setting in motion the process of organizing the College of Cardinals for the Conclave, the secret meeting in which the next pope will be elected.