Pope Francis Death: When & How Will The New Pope Be Chosen? Who Are The Contenders? UPDATES

Pope Francis Death: In a saddening turn of events, Pope Francis, the first Latin-American leader of the Roman Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State, has passed away at the age of 88. Pope Francis (born as 'Jorge Mario Bergoglio'), breathed his last on Monday (April 21, 2025) at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. Confirming the same in a video statement, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on Vatican's official statement on its official Telegram channel, "This morning at 7:35 am (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. (sic)"

While everyone mourns the death of of the Bishop of Rome, you must be wondering - what's next? Who will be the next Pope? No worries... here's everything you need to know about the procedure of the getting the next Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis Death Reason, Last Appearance

Pope Francis' death came as a shock to many as he made his last appearance on Easter Sunday. Yes, Pope Francis left everyone heartbroken after making a pubic appearance on East Sunday to greet the crowd.

During his 12-long-years of papacy, he had suffered various ailments. Previously, he was admitted to the hospital this year due to pneumonia and was discharged on March 23, after 5 weeks of treatment. The 88-year-old succumbed to death after his prolonged battle with complex lung infection, as per media reports.

Pope Francis Funeral Updates

According to a Reuters report, the funeral of late Pop Francis is likely to be held in the coming four to six days.

Pope Francis Death: When & How Will The New Pope Be Chosen?

Now, after the demise of Pope Francis, the College of Cardinals will take over the governance of the Catholic Church. According to DailymailUK, the historic process of the conclave is likely to begin in in the end of April or in the starting of May since there will now be "nine days of official mourning". For those unversed, during the conclave period, the cardinals will come together in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to elect the new pope. Reportedly, the papal conclave phase is likely to begin 15-20 days after pope's death.

As per India Today, only the cardinal electors, not more than 120 people approx., who are under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the voting process, which will take place privately in the the Sistine Chapel.

Pope Francis Death: Who Are The Contenders To Replace Late Pope Francis?

As reported by yet another DailymailUK report, the contenders who have chances to become the next Pontiff are - Peter Turkson (76), Luis Antonio Tagle (67), Pietro Parolin (70), Peter Erdo (72), Jose Tolentino (59), Matteo Zuppi (69), Mario Grech (68) and Robert Sarah (79).