Pope Francis' Death: What Happens When POPE Dies?

In the event of a pope's death, the Catholic Church follows a series of time-honored rituals and procedures. The Camerlengo, or Chamberlain, officially confirms the pope's death. Historically, this involved gently tapping the pope's head with a silver hammer and calling his name three times, though this ritual is no longer practiced. The Camerlengo then oversees the destruction of the Ring of the Fisherman and the papal seal to prevent unauthorized use.