What happens next after Francis’ death? How the Catholic Church will pick a successor

CNN - Apr 21st, 2025

The passing of Pope Francis has initiated a period of mourning in the Vatican and the commencement of the traditional yet slightly modernized procedure to select a new pontiff. During this 'Papal Interregnum,' the Vatican will host nine days of mourning known as the Novendiales, with the pope's body displayed at St. Peter's Basilica. This process culminates in a large funeral Mass, drawing dignitaries worldwide. Following the mourning, the conclave of cardinals will gather to elect a new pope, a process that can last several weeks and is conducted under intense global scrutiny.

The importance of choosing a new pope cannot be overemphasized, as the decision will impact the global Catholic Church's future direction, especially on critical social issues. Pope Francis, as the first non-European pope in centuries, introduced a more progressive stance on topics like homosexuality and the death penalty, which may influence the cardinals' choice. Additionally, the church's handling of child sex abuse scandals remains a pivotal issue for the new pontiff to address, with the world watching closely to see if the next pope will continue Francis' path or revert to more traditional teachings.

Pope Francis Vatican Catholic Church Conclave St. Peter's Basilica Papal Election Child Sex Abuse Scandal Novendiales

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a thorough overview of the papal succession process following the death of Pope Francis. It is timely and relevant, addressing a topic of significant public interest and potential impact on global religious and cultural dynamics. The article is generally accurate and clear, with a logical structure that aids understanding. However, it could benefit from greater transparency in source attribution and a broader range of perspectives to enhance its balance and credibility. While it touches on controversial topics, such as the abuse scandal, it does not delve deeply into these issues, limiting its potential to provoke debate. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about the immediate and ongoing implications of the papal transition, though there is room for improvement in several dimensions to enhance its quality and impact.

Accuracy

The article is largely accurate, with most claims aligning with established Vatican protocols and historical precedents. It correctly describes the nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiales and the requirement for the pope's burial between the fourth and sixth day after death. However, the claim regarding the number of eligible cardinals (136) contrasts with the traditional cap of 120 set by John Paul II, which requires verification. Additionally, while it mentions the conclave typically taking 2-3 weeks, the official rules specify a 15-20 day window post-death for the conclave to begin, which could be misleading without further context. The article's references to modern updates in the conclave process lack specific examples, which could lead to confusion about what has changed.

Balance

The article provides a balanced overview of the papal succession process, incorporating both the procedural aspects and the broader implications for the Catholic Church. However, it could include more perspectives on the potential impact of Pope Francis's death and the election of a new pope on different factions within the Church. The focus on the abuse scandal is appropriate given its significance, but the article could benefit from a broader range of viewpoints, such as those from church reformists or traditionalists, to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the stakes involved.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, providing a logical flow of information about the papal succession process. It uses straightforward language to explain complex procedures, making it accessible to a broad audience. However, some sections could benefit from additional context or explanation, particularly regarding the nuances of the conclave process and the implications of Pope Francis's death. Ensuring that all claims are clearly substantiated would further enhance the article's clarity.

Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite its sources, which affects the perceived reliability of the information. While it appears to draw on established knowledge about Vatican protocols, the lack of direct attribution to specific documents or experts diminishes the authority of its claims. Including references to Vatican documents or statements from church officials would enhance the article's credibility and help readers assess the reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of source attribution and the basis for some of its claims. It does not disclose the methodology behind its assertions, such as the number of eligible cardinals or the specifics of any modern updates to the conclave process. This lack of clarity on the sources and methods used to gather information limits the reader's ability to fully trust the article's content. Greater transparency about the information's origins and the reasoning behind certain claims would improve the article's credibility.