What happens now? The novendiales explained

From the time a pope is buried, the Church traditionally observes nine days of mourning and consecutive Requiem Masses known as novendiales. Historian Darius von Güttner takes us through a few of the questions we might have about this ancient custom.

1. Why is the novendiales period nine days long?

The novendiales, or nine days of mourning following a pope’s funeral, draw their length from ancient Roman funerary custom, which stipulated that nine days be observed between the death and final rites of the deceased. This tradition, known in antiquity as the novendiale sacrum, symbolised the passage of the soul and the communal farewell.

Early Christians in Rome, inheriting much from classical ritual practice, adopted this timeframe into the Church’s practices, particularly in the burial and commemoration of bishops of Rome. Over time, it became codified as the official mourning period for deceased popes.

Liturgically, nine is a number rich in Christian symbolism, representing preparation, fullnes, and spiritual transition. In the case of a pope’s death, the novendiales offer both a theological framework for prayer and intercession for the departed soul, and a practical interlude before the conclave. While the Church grieves, it also begins discerning its future leader. In this way, the novendiales serve as a hinge between pontificates, commemorating what has gone before while anticipating what is to come, and allowing the College of Cardinals time to prepare emotionally, liturgically and administratively for the responsibilities that lie ahead in electing the next Bishop of Rome.

2. What happens during this period? And how are the cardinals who preside over each Mass chosen?

The novendiales consist of nine consecutive days of solemn liturgical commemoration for the deceased pope, beginning the day after his funeral. Each day is marked by a Requiem Mass, typically held in St Peter’s Basilica or another prominent Roman church (such as one of the other three basilicas), invoking God’s mercy upon the late pontiff’s soul. These Masses are rich in symbolism, blending mourning with the hope of resurrection, and are attended by cardinals, Roman clergy, dignitaries and the faithful.

Alongside these spiritual observances, the cardinals meet daily in ‘general congregations’, where they manage the Church’s affairs during the interregnum and make preparations for the upcoming conclave.

The cardinals who preside over each Mass are chosen based on a combination of rank, seniority and pastoral or curial prominence. The Dean of the College of Cardinals (if able) presides over the funeral, while other Masses during the novendiales are assigned among cardinal bishops, priests and occasionally deacons. The Office for Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff coordinates these assignments in consultation with the Camerlengo—the financial secretary and treasurer of the Holy See, who oversees the Vatican’s affairs during the period between popes, known as the sede vacante—and with senior officials. The sequence of presiders reflects both the Church’s hierarchy and the collegial nature of the Church’s mourning, as cardinals honour their former leader and spiritually prepare for the next.

3. What is the role of the College of Cardinals during the novendiales besides attending the Masses?

During the novendiales, the College of Cardinals assumes responsibility not only for mourning the deceased pope but also for maintaining the governance of the Church and preparing for the election of his successor. While formal authority proper to the pope is suspended, the cardinals convene daily in general congregations, where matters of governance, diplomacy, security, liturgy and communication are deliberated. These gatherings are attended by all cardinals present in Rome, regardless of age, though only those under 80 may later participate in the conclave.

Their responsibilities include confirming the timing of the conclave, overseeing practical arrangements (such as housing, ballots and confidentiality measures) and managing urgent administrative issues. The cardinals also receive briefings from the Camerlengo.

Beyond formal duties, the novendiales provide space for informal discussion, where cardinals begin to share views on the state of the Church and its future needs. Although campaigning is forbidden, these discussions often shape perceptions of potential papal candidates. Thus, during the novendiales, the College functions as both the Church’s caretaker and its conscience: mourning a leader, ensuring continuity and initiating the prayerful discernment that will culminate in the next papal election.

4. What happens to the cardinals’ roles within the Vatican until a new pope is elected? Do they get to keep their roles once a new pope comes in? Or can that be taken away from them?

Upon the pope’s death, almost all positions of authority within the Roman Curia, including those held by cardinals, are suspended. According to Universi Dominici gregis, the apostolic constitution governing papal elections, the heads of Vatican dicasteries (congregations, councils and commissions) cease to exercise their offices. They retain their titles but are no longer authorised to make decisions, particularly on matters reserved to the pope. This suspension is designed to prevent unilateral action during the interregnum (the period between one papacy and another) and to uphold the neutrality and integrity of the Church’s governance in the absence of a pontiff.

There are, however, a few exceptions. The Cardinal Camerlengo remains in office to administer the temporal goods of the Church. The Major Penitentiary continues to address confessional matters, and the Vicar General of Rome may attend to urgent pastoral needs in the diocese. Once a new pope is elected, he has full authority to confirm, reassign or dismiss any curial cardinal. While some are retained for continuity, others may be replaced to reflect the new pope’s theological outlook or administrative style. In this way, curial appointments are not permanent but provisional, held at the pleasure of the pope, and always subject to renewal or reform.