Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, the Vatican announced that the conclave to elect his successor will commence on May 7, 2025. The Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public to accommodate the conclave, which involves secret ballot voting by cardinals, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect the new pope. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a close collaborator of Pope Francis and the Vatican's Secretary of State, is seen as a potential candidate for the papacy. The Vatican held a special Mass attended by approximately 200,000 people, where Parolin expressed the collective grief and reflection on Pope Francis' humble and essential life. Pope Francis chose to be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, near a revered icon of the Madonna, reflecting his life values.

Pope Francis' passing on April 21 has led to the announcement of a conclave scheduled to begin on May 7, 2025, to elect a new pope, with the Sistine Chapel being closed for this purpose.

The voting process during the conclave involves cardinals casting secret ballots, with a two-thirds majority required for a candidate to be elected as the new pope.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who led a special Mass attended by around 200,000 people, is a key figure at the Vatican and is considered a strong contender to succeed Pope Francis.

During the special Mass, Parolin reflected on the grief and sadness following Pope Francis' death, likening it to the apostles’ grief after Jesus' death, and emphasized the hope brought by the resurrection.

Pope Francis chose his final resting place at St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome to reflect his commitment to a humble, simple, and essential life, aligning with the values he cherished during his papacy.

The conclave, organized by the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, follows a traditional and secretive process with each ballot's results symbolized by smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel.

The Vatican's announcement and the ensuing preparations mark a significant moment for the Roman Catholic Church, as it prepares to transition to new leadership following Pope Francis’ impactful tenure.