The death of Pope Francis caused a day of mourning in Italy: who will be next?
21 april 2025 в 15:13
The death of Pope Francis caused a day of mourning on April 21, 2025. The deceased pontiff passed away just a few hours after he delivered his annual Easter prayer and met with American Vice President Jay D. Vansom on the holiday. Now, as Italy mourns the loss, many are wondering who will be the next pope.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the pope’s death in a statement published by the Vatican. He said: «This morning at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. He taught us to live by the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and marginalized».
Below are updates on how the Vatican will move forward and who will become the next pope.
Francis was 88 years old when he died.
The official cause of Francis' death was not disclosed to the public, but he passed away after battling a number of illnesses, most of which were related to respiratory problems. In his 20s, the deceased pope had part of one of his lungs removed. Years later, in 2023, he received medical treatment for bronchitis, and then again in early 2025 when he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
Throughout the remainder of his life, Francis also underwent surgery on his intestines, having part of his colon removed to manage diverticulitis (a condition causing inflammation in the colon), and walked with a cane and used a wheelchair due to knee problems.
Shortly after the pope’s death, a funeral is held. Francis approved for his casket to be open in St. Peter’s Basilica so the public could express their condolences. Then the College of Cardinals must choose who will be the next pope in elections known as a conclave. Until a majority of votes is reached in the elections, the College of Cardinals governs the Church in the period between the late pope’s death and the selection of a new pontiff.
In previous centuries, a conclave lasted from a few days to several months. Usually, one of the cardinals becomes the next pope, and they usually prefer a European successor. The following names — possible candidates for the role of the next pope, according to Reuters:
Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the pope’s death in a statement published by the Vatican. He said: «This morning at 7:35, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the Father’s house. He taught us to live by the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and marginalized».
Below are updates on how the Vatican will move forward and who will become the next pope.
Francis was 88 years old when he died.
The official cause of Francis' death was not disclosed to the public, but he passed away after battling a number of illnesses, most of which were related to respiratory problems. In his 20s, the deceased pope had part of one of his lungs removed. Years later, in 2023, he received medical treatment for bronchitis, and then again in early 2025 when he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.
Throughout the remainder of his life, Francis also underwent surgery on his intestines, having part of his colon removed to manage diverticulitis (a condition causing inflammation in the colon), and walked with a cane and used a wheelchair due to knee problems.
Shortly after the pope’s death, a funeral is held. Francis approved for his casket to be open in St. Peter’s Basilica so the public could express their condolences. Then the College of Cardinals must choose who will be the next pope in elections known as a conclave. Until a majority of votes is reached in the elections, the College of Cardinals governs the Church in the period between the late pope’s death and the selection of a new pontiff.
In previous centuries, a conclave lasted from a few days to several months. Usually, one of the cardinals becomes the next pope, and they usually prefer a European successor. The following names — possible candidates for the role of the next pope, according to Reuters:
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
