After the death of Pope Francis, what happens now? - explainer

The following rituals mark the end of one papacy and the start of the next.

Nuns stand in St. Peter's Square, after the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

Nuns stand in St. Peter's Square, after the death of Pope Francis was announced by the Vatican, April 21, 2025.

(photo credit: REUTERS/YARA NARDI)

ByREUTERS

APRIL 21, 2025 11:51

Updated: APRIL 21, 2025 12:12

RECOMMENDED STORIES

British rock star Ozzy Osbourne and Kermit the Frog pose for photographs after the Golden Jubilee Pop Concert at Buckingham Palace in London, June 3, 2002; illustrative.

Was Ozzy Osbourne Jewish, or ‘half a heeb’?

JULY 22, 2025

BOSTON RED SOX third baseman Alex Bregman hits a three-run home run against the Chicago Cubs during Boston’s 6-1 victory at Wrigley Field this week.

Alex Bregman’s Boston breakout: A season of resilience, and representation

JULY 22, 2025

A Vueling Airbus A320; illustrative.

Airline Vueling deplanes Jewish children, arrest summer camp director due to alleged disruptions

JULY 24, 2025

The Amir Kabir dam along the Karaj river in Iran's northern Alborz mountain range is pictured on June 1, 2025.

Iran's water crisis: 'Day Zero' looms as Islamic Republic faces complete shortage

JULY 21, 2025

Top Stories

Khamenei spends half the day high, says Mossad X account

Live Updates: Israelis, Syrians meet, discuss de-escalation

COGAT highlights aid trucks in Gaza awaiting distribution

Outline of Hamas terrorists standing against backdrop of Israeli demonstrators calling for an immediate hostage deal. (illustration)

Hamas-Israel talks collapse over hostages, withdrawal

REPORT

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

Meloni opposes early Palestinian state recognition

Israeli DJ nixed from Tomorrowland for 'security concerns'

WATCH

IDF observers push for hostage deal after talks stall