Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff known for his humility and progressive stances, passed away today at the age of 88 due to complications from chronic lung disease and double pneumonia. His 12-year papacy was marked by global outreach, advocacy for the marginalized, and efforts to reform the Catholic Church. With his passing, the Vatican enters a period known as sede vacante—the seat being vacant—initiating a centuries-old process to elect a new pope. In this episode, we delve into the rituals and traditions that follow the death of a pope, including the public viewing of his body in St. Peter’s Basilica, the funeral rites, and the secretive conclave where cardinals gather to choose his successor. We also reflect on Pope Francis’s legacy and the potential direction of the Catholic Church in the years to come.