Discover the intricate and solemn procedures that unfold when a pope dies, from the announcement by the dean of cardinals to the mourning bells of Rome. Italian Vatican analyst Andrea Gagliarducci explains the sede vacante period, the sealing of the pope’s apartments, and the role of the Camerlengo in managing church affairs. Learn how the body of the pope is honored through ancient rites at multiple stations, culminating in a funeral led by the dean. We also explore the criteria for becoming pope, the significance of the Fisherman’s Ring, and the detailed preparations for electing the new pontiff by the College of Cardinals. This episode offers a unique, inside look at the Vatican’s time-honored traditions from death to the election of the next pope.