Immediate Actions After the Pope Dies
When a pope dies, the Camerlengo verifies the death and officially announces it. The Fisherman's Ring and papal seals are destroyed to prevent forgery. Public ceremonies, including lying in state, typically follow at St. Peter's Basilica.
The Interregnum and Conclave Process
The period between popes is called the interregnum. The College of Cardinals assumes governance, and a conclave begins to elect a new pope. Cardinals under age 80 enter the Sistine Chapel for secret ballots, which continue until a two-thirds majority is reached.
Succession and the New Pope
Once elected, the dean asks the new pope to accept and choose his name. The senior cardinal deacon announces "Habemus Papam" from St. Peter's Square. The new pope then appears on the balcony and delivers his first blessing, the Urbi et Orbi.
For more details on the Vatican's official procedures, see Vatican.va.
