23.04.2025 – (12:01 PM) Htate See

The Vatican’s prefect, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, is currently in charge of the affairs of the Vatican after a pope dies or resigns. Cardinal Farrell was nominated by Francis in 2019.

Farrell will continue to serve as interim head of the Vatican until a conclave is held to elect a new pope. He has more than 30 years of experience in the US church.

Christians around the world are interested in who will succeed Francis. The election of a new pope, which will take place after Francis’s burial, is a highly secretive event, and white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney means a new pope has emerged. Black smoke means a new pope has not yet emerged.

Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the conclave. The date for the conclave will be set once they arrive in Rome. Francis’ funeral will be held on April 26, and he will be buried in the church of St. Mary Major outside the Vatican.