My Spirit FM 90.5 | Papal Updates
A Time of Transition
With the passing of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning and transition. While the world grieves the loss of a spiritual father and shepherd, the College of Cardinals begins the sacred and solemn process of discernment that will lead to the next leader of the Catholic Church. This page outlines what happens during this unique moment in Church history, and how you can stay both informed and prayerfully engaged.
A Series of Events
Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Church enters a sacred time of transition. Below is a general outline of the key moments of this transition.
1. Confirmation of Death
Those at the Vatican confirm that the pope has passed away. Traditionally, they will call the pope’s baptismal name three times in a ceremony to confirm that he has passed.
2. Official Notification & Novemdiales
The pope’s death is officially announced to the world, beginning the period of funeral preparations. During this time, we enter into Novemdiales or nine days are observed as a period of mourning for the pope.
3. Sede Vacante
This period is the official time in which the seat of the pope is vacant. During this time, all major decisions (such as canonizations) are placed on hold. The College of Cardinals hold the responsibility for the care of the Church in this period.
4. Funeral & Burial
Within the week of his death, the pope will have a funeral Mass and burial. During this time, the body lies in Rome so that the public may visit and pay their respects. After the funeral, the pope’s body is buried beneath St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, though Pope Francis made a specific request to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) in Rome.
5. Conclave Begins
Typically, around two to three weeks after the pope’s death, all cardinals gather at the Sistine Chapel for what is known as a conclave. It is here that they prayerfully consider, discern, and elect a new pope. All cardinals act under secrecy during this process.
6. Election of a New Pope
The election of a new pope happens when the cardinals have reached a two-thirds majority as to who they believe is called to be the next pope. Smoke is released from the chimney at St. Peter’s Basilica up to four times each day. Black smoke indicates that the majority has not been reached by their votes and white smoke indicates that a new pope has been chosen.
Updates from Rome
Stay connected with the latest updates from Rome as the Church moves through this historic moment. Below, you’ll find a live feed of breaking news and official coverage from Vatican News, including developments from the College of Cardinals and updates on the path to the next pope.
Getting Involved
While the Church mourns the loss of our Holy Father and awaits the election of his successor, this is also a time for the faithful to draw near in prayer and unity. Whether through personal devotion, communal prayer, or spiritual offerings, you can play a meaningful role in this sacred moment. Below are some simple but powerful ways to spiritually support the Church and participate in this historic journey.
Pray the Rosary
One of the most beloved devotions of the Church, the Rosary is a powerful way to pray for the repose of Pope Francis’s soul and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election of the next pope. Spirit FM airs the Rosary every day at 5AM and 11PM. You can listen online at any time by clicking HERE.
Pray a Novena
A nine-day novena is a traditional way to pray for a particular intention. Join the faithful around the world in asking for God’s guidance and peace during this time of transition.
Attend a Memorial Mass or Offer a Mass Intention
Many parishes will offer Masses for the repose of the Holy Father’s soul. You can also request a Mass intention at your local parish to honor his memory and pray for the Church.
Submit a Prayer Intention
Take a moment to write a prayer for the Church, the cardinals in Rome, or the future pope. Sharing your intention is a meaningful way to unite with others in hope and faith. You can submit prayer intentions to Spirit FM by calling the prayer line at 813-282-1234, emailing prayer@myspiritfm.com, or by filling out the form HERE.
Stay Connected through Spirit FM
Spirit FM will continue to offer prayer, music, and reflections throughout this time. Stay close to the heart of the Church through special programming and spiritual encouragement.
Looking Forward With Faith
As the Church journeys through this time of mourning and transition, we do so with confidence in Christ’s promise to be with us always. The days ahead are filled with sacred tradition, prayerful discernment, and global unity as we await the next successor of St. Peter. We invite you to remain spiritually engaged, stay informed, and continue praying for the Church, the cardinals, and the faithful around the world.
Together, we look to the future with faith, hope, and trust in the Holy Spirit.
