On April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced the heartbreaking news: Pope Francis, aged 88, has passed away. The first pope from Latin America, a Jesuit, and a reformer, he left an indelible mark on millions of faithful worldwide, including in Ukraine.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Francis became pope in 2013. His pontificate was defined by humility, care for the poor, and calls for peace. Ukrainians particularly remember his support during the war—Francis repeatedly prayed for peace in Ukraine, condemned aggression, and urged aid for those affected. In 2020, he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

The final months of Francis’s life were overshadowed by illness. Since February 2025, he battled pneumonia but remained devoted to his flock, delivering his Easter message on April 20. The next day, his heart stopped at the Santa Marta residence in the Vatican.

With Pope Francis departure, the Vatican has embarked on an ancient ritual steeped in symbolism, tradition, and mystery that has accompanied the Church’s transitions for centuries. This period of official mourning and preparation for the election of a new pontiff is not only a farewell but also a unique glimpse into the centuries-old history of the Catholic Church.

As soon as the Pope’s death was confirmed, the Vatican initiated a strictly regulated protocol. In ancient times, a cardinal would verify the pontiff’s passing by gently tapping his forehead with a silver hammer three times while calling out his baptismal name. This ritual, which seems almost mystical today, has given way to modern practice: the Pope’s death is now officially certified by his personal physician.

Following this, the Pope’s chambers are sealed. No document or personal belonging may be touched, preserving the sanctity of the pontiff’s legacy. During this time, the Swiss Guard, renowned for their vibrant red, yellow, and blue uniforms, exchange them for somber dark blue ones—a symbol of deep mourning.

As tradition dictates, Pope Francis’ body will be displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica, where for three days, the faithful from around the world can pay their final respects. However, this ceremony will differ in one key aspect: unlike his predecessors, Francis will rest in a closed coffin. This detail underscores the humility and simplicity that defined his pontificate.

The burial will likely take place not in St. Peter’s Basilica, where many of his predecessors are laid to rest, but in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. This was the place Francis chose for his eternal rest, reflecting his deep spiritual connection to the church.

Starting on May 11, the Vatican will host the conclave—one of the most enigmatic events in the Catholic world. In the Sistine Chapel, surrounded by Michelangelo’s majestic frescoes, cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in complete secrecy to elect the new head of the Catholic Church. The chapel’s doors will be locked, and the world will hold its breath, awaiting the white smoke—a signal that a new Pope has been chosen.

The conclave is not just a religious event but a unique ritual that blends spirituality with strict rules. The cardinals are cut off from the outside world, their discussions are tightly restricted, and the selection of the new pontiff can take days. This event reminds us that, even in the modern era, the Catholic Church preserves traditions rooted in ancient times.

Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy as a reformer who sought to make the Church more accessible, open to dialogue, and sensitive to the needs of the poorest. His passing is a moment not only of grief but also of reflection on the path the Catholic Church will take next.

Will the new Pope continue Francis’ reforms? What challenges will the Church face in an era of rapid change? Answers to these questions will emerge soon, when white smoke rises from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, announcing the new leader of the Catholic world.

This period in the Vatican is not only a farewell to one of the most remarkable pontiffs of our time but also a reminder of the power of traditions that unite millions of people worldwide. In these days, the Catholic world pauses, watching history unfold before our eyes.