ANALYSIS: Pope Francis’s Death Marks the End of a Reformist Era — What Comes Next for the Catholic Church?

The death of Pope Francis on Monday (April 21, 2025) has not only triggered the age-old rituals of papal succession, but also drawn the curtain on one of the most consequential and reform-minded papacies in modern Catholic history. As the Church now enters the solemn period of Sede Vacante—literally, the “Vacant See”—it must prepare to navigate a deeply symbolic transition at a time of internal reflection and global scrutiny.

A Long Illness and a Legacy of Reform

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, had been in declining health for months before his passing at age 88. He underwent multiple hospitalizations in the last two years, including intestinal surgery and treatment for respiratory issues, and had begun delegating more responsibilities to senior cardinals and aides. Despite persistent rumors of resignation—much like his predecessor, Benedict XVI—Francis remained in office until his death.

Throughout his papacy, Francis was known for his humility, progressive stance on social issues, and relentless push for institutional reform. He chose to live in the Vatican guesthouse instead of the lavish Apostolic Palace and rejected many of the regal trappings of the papacy. He advocated for environmental stewardship (Laudato Si’), emphasized mercy over judgment in debates about divorce, LGBTQ+ Catholics, and abortion, and took firm stances on economic inequality and global migration. Yet, his tenure was also marked by internal resistance and frustration over the Church’s slow pace of change—especially on women’s roles, clerical celibacy, and the handling of abuse scandals.

Sede Vacante and the Role of the Camerlengo

With Francis’s passing, the Church entered Sede Vacante, the interregnum during which no pope presides. During this time, administrative functions shift to the camerlengo—currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a trusted ally of Francis and former Bishop of Dallas. He is tasked with confirming the death, sealing the papal apartments, and overseeing preparations for the funeral and conclave.

One of the more symbolic rituals involves the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, a gold signet ring bearing the pope’s seal. Once a tool for validating documents, its destruction now marks the end of a papal reign. Though the ancient silver hammer used to confirm a pope’s death is no longer in practice, the ceremony remains steeped in tradition and gravity.

A Simplified Funeral in Line with Francis’s Values

True to his values, Francis had requested a more modest burial than his predecessors. Rather than interment beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, his final resting place will be the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he often prayed before and after apostolic trips.

The funeral rites will reflect his vision of a “poor Church for the poor.” He will be laid to rest in a single coffin made of wood and zinc, forgoing the traditional triple-layered caskets. His body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, but unlike past popes, will not be displayed upright on cushions. These decisions speak volumes about how Francis viewed his role—not as a monarch, but as a shepherd.

The Conclave: Choosing the Next Pope

Attention now turns to the College of Cardinals, who will gather for general congregations to prepare for the conclave. The date must be set between 15 and 20 days from the pope’s death, with the conclave taking place in the Sistine Chapel under strict secrecy.

Of the 135 eligible cardinal-electors (those under 80 years old), a significant 108 were appointed by Francis himself—a sign that his theological and pastoral vision may influence the choice of his successor. The group represents a diverse global Church: 53 from Europe, 20 from North America, 18 from Africa, 23 from Asia, 4 from Oceania, and 17 from South America.

The process remains deeply ritualistic. Ballots are cast four times daily until one candidate achieves a two-thirds majority. The color of the smoke from the chapel chimney—black for no decision, white for success—along with the peal of St. Peter’s bells, will announce the election of a new pope.

After the Smoke Clears: A New Chapter

Following his election, the new pope will retreat to the “Room of Tears” to privately absorb the weight of his new role. There, he’ll choose his papal name and don the white robes—sized small, medium, and large—prepared in anticipation.

Soon after, he will emerge on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the senior cardinal deacon, currently Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino, will deliver the traditional proclamation: Habemus Papam!—“We have a pope!”

The Road Ahead

Whoever emerges as the next Bishop of Rome will inherit a complex and divided Church. The future pontiff will face the challenge of continuing—or reversing—Francis’s reforms, while addressing enduring issues such as the decline in priestly vocations, the role of women, accountability in abuse cases, and the Church’s stance on modern social realities.

Francis’s death marks not only the end of a life, but the close of a chapter in Catholicism defined by humility, controversy, and a passionate vision of global justice. The days ahead will determine whether his legacy continues to shape the Church—or if the next pope steers it in a new direction.