Pope Francis‘ loss of life known as for a day of mourning on April 21, 2025. The late pontiff died simply hours after he delivered his yearly Easter prayer and assembly with American Vice President JD Vance on the vacation. Now that Italy grieves the loss, many are questioning who would be the subsequent pope.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell introduced the pope’s loss of life in an announcement shared by the Vatican. He stated, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and the marginalized.”
Below, get updates on how the Vatican will transfer ahead and who would be the subsequent pope.
How Old Was Pope Francis?
Francis was 88 years previous when he died.
How Did Pope Francis Die?
Francis’ official reason behind loss of life has not been disclosed to the general public, however he died after battling a sequence of illnesses, most of them being respiratory-related points. In his 20s, the late pope had one a part of one among his lungs eliminated. Years later, in 2023, he obtained medical remedy for bronchitis, then once more in early 2025 when he was identified with bilateral pneumonia.
Throughout the rest of his life, Francis additionally underwent intestinal surgical procedure, eradicating a part of his colon to handle diverticulitis (a situation that causes irritation within the colon), and he walked with a cane and used a wheelchair resulting from a knee situation.
What Happens When the Pope Dies?
Shortly after a pope dies, a funeral is held. Francis accepted for his coffin to be open at St. Peter’s Basilica in order that the general public will pay its respects. Next, the College of Cardinals should select who the subsequent pope might be in an election generally known as the conclave. Until a majority of the votes carry the election, the College of Cardinals governs the Church within the interim of the late pope’s loss of life and the selection of a brand new pontiff.
In earlier centuries, the conclave has lasted days to months. Usually, although, it lasts a number of days.
Who Will Be the Next Pope?
Usually, one of many cardinals turns into the subsequent pope, and so they are inclined to favor a European to succeed. The following names are the attainable candidates for who would be the subsequent pope, in response to Reuters:
- Jean-Marc Aveline, archbishop of Marseille; 66 years previous; French
- Cardinal Peter Erdo; 72 years previous; Hungarian
- Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary common of the Synod of Bishops; 68 years previous; Maltese
- Cardinal Juan Jose Omella, archbishop of Barcelona; 79 years previous; Spanish
- Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican diplomat; 70 years previous; Italian
- Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle; 67 years previous; Filipino
- Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, N.J.; 72 years previous; American
- Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson, Vatican official; 76 years previous; Ghanaian
- Matteo Maria Zuppi, Italian, archbishop of Bologna; 69 years previous; Italian