

What happens when the Pope dies?
Apr 22, 2025
Pope Francis has passed away, sparking the complex process of electing a new pope through a papal conclave. Senior Church leaders will gather in the Sistine Chapel, shrouded in secrecy, to choose the next leader of the Catholic Church. The podcast dives into the significance of the smoke signals that announce the results, while exploring the contenders for the papacy and their differing ideologies. It also highlights the rituals that follow a pope’s death and the diverse backgrounds of the cardinals involved.
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Pope Francis's Dedication
- Pope Francis never used his official summer residence, turning it into a museum instead.
- He never took a holiday during his papacy, dedicating himself entirely to service of the church and its people.
Role of the Pope Explained
- Catholics believe the Pope is God's representative on earth who can't err in official declarations.
- The Pope also leads the Vatican city-state and serves as the global Catholic Church's spiritual head.
Papal Conclave Voting Process
- Only cardinals under 80 years old vote in the Papal Conclave to choose the Pope.
- Voting continues in seclusion until a candidate receives a two-thirds majority.