Pope Francis dies at 88: What happens next — From the destruction of Fisherman’s Ring to a historic burial

What happens after death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, just a day after making a heartfelt public appearance on Easter Sunday.

The Pope was seen riding through St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile, warmly waving to thousands of cheering faithful. His final blessing was a powerful message of peace and unity that resonated deeply with the global Catholic community.

The official announcement came from Cardinal Kevin Farrell on the Vatican’s television channel: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with profound sadness I must announce the death of our Holy Father, Francis.” Following his passing, Cardinal Kevin Farrell will serve as the interim leader of the Church until a new pope is elected.

Just weeks earlier, on March 23, Pope Francis had been discharged from Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after a taxing 38-day stay battling double pneumonia — an illness that had sparked widespread concern for his health.

Elected on March 13, 2013, as the 266th pope, Francis broke multiple traditions by becoming the first Jesuit, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pontiff in over a millennium.

How the Pope is declared dead, and the mysterious destruction of his ring 

The death of Pope is officially announced by a camerlengo (a senior Vatican official). Irish-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced Pope's death also he assumed role of the Vatican’s de facto administrator.

Traditionally, the camerlengo announces the pope's death after calling his name and receiving no response, though modern medical confirmation now precedes the ceremony.

After the death of Pope, the camerlengo arranges for the destruction of the fisherman's Ring. The traditional ritual of destroying the papal ring will be carried out, marking the end of his pontificate and opening the path for the election of the next leader of the global Catholic Church.

A fisherman's Ring is presented to each Pope during Papal inauguration. The design of the Pope’s ring usually showcases St. Peter, the first Pope in Catholic tradition, often portrayed with fishing nets or the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Above this powerful image, the reigning Pope’s name is inscribed, marking the identity of the current leader of the Church.

Historically used as a seal for the Pope's private correspondence and official documents, the papal ring remains a powerful symbol of episcopal authority and the Pope’s leadership as St. Peter’s successor.

How long is the mourning period? 

Following the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 after a prolonged battle with pneumonia and kidney complications, the Vatican has declared a nine-day period of official mourning.

As part of the farewell, his body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing the faithful to come and pay their last respects.

The funeral is expected to take place within six days, after which Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, a departure from the traditional papal burial site of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Where Pope will be buried? 

Pope Francis will become the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican, breaking with long-standing tradition. While popes are typically laid to rest in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, his final resting place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

This deeply personal choice reflects the late pontiff’s devotion to the Virgin Mary. The basilica, dedicated to Mary, Mother of God, held special significance for Francis — it was where he would often stop to pray before and after his international trips. His decision, made years before his passing in 2025, marks a poignant and symbolic departure from convention.

Sealing of private chambers

Upon the Pope’s passing, his private chambers are sealed, and the College of Cardinals is notified before any public announcement is made.

Traditionally, the Pope resides in the Apostolic Palace within Vatican City. However, Pope Francis chose a simpler path, opting to live in the Domus Sanctae Marthae — a modest guesthouse inside the Vatican — instead of the formal papal apartments.

Significance of smoke

As the papal conclave begins, global attention is fixed on the chimney above the Sistine Chapel — a centuries-old tradition that visually signals the outcome of the secretive election process.

Black smoke billowing from the chimney indicates that the cardinals have not yet reached a decision. In contrast, the appearance of white smoke will announce to the world that a new pope has been successfully elected, marking a moment of immense significance for the Catholic faithful worldwide.