Funeral, mourning, secrets and one of the oldest rituals of the Catholic Church: the conclave. Come and understand what happens behind the scenes at the Vatican.

When a Pope dies, the Vatican enters a state of "Sede Vacante". It means that the chair of St. Peter is empty — and the whole Church goes into mourning. The official announcement is made by the Dean of the College of Cardinals.

The Pope ceases to be addressed by his papal name and returns to being called by his baptismal name. The chamberlain, a figure almost unknown to the public, is responsible for confirming the death. And do this by calling your name 3 times

During the period of Sede Vacante, the government of the Church is suspended. The camerlengo — a figure little known to the public — assumes administrative control of the Vatican. But he cannot make doctrinal decisions or appoint bishops.

One of the most symbolic rituals comes next: The fisherman's ring, the ultimate symbol of papal power, is destroyed with a hammer. This prevents falsifications and officially marks the end of his pontificate.

The Pope's body is prepared with liturgical vestments and laid out in St. Peter's Basilica. For nine days — the novendiali — masses are held in his honor. Heads of state, believers and religious figures from all over the world pay their respects.

The funeral is grand, but follows a precise tradition. The Pope is buried in three coffins: one made of cypress (wood), another made of lead (sealed) and a third made of oak. His tomb is usually located in the Vatican Grottoes, below St. Peter's Basilica.

Meanwhile, the cardinals meet in Rome. Those under 80 have the right to vote and form the Electoral College. Then the conclave begins — the most anticipated secret event in the Catholic Church.

Conclave comes from cum clave — “with key”. The cardinals are locked in the Sistine Chapel, without cell phones, internet, or contact with the outside world. Nothing comes in. Nothing goes out. They only leave when there is a new Pope.

Voting is secret and done using paper ballots. At each round of voting, the ballots are burned with chemicals. If there is no decision, the smoke rises black. When a new Pope is elected: white smoke. Joy throughout the Catholic world.

The chosen one accepts (or not) the call. If accepted, choose a new papal name. It is then announced with the historic phrase: Habemus Papam!

When a new Pope appears on the balcony, he does not assume just one faith. He assumes the symbolic throne of Saint Peter, the leadership of more than 1 billion faithful and the spiritual command of the largest religious institution on the planet.