What do the Roman Catholics do if the Pope of the Roman Catholic dies?

Answer 1

Roman Catholic AnswerWhen the Pope dies, there is an official period of mourning. All the Cardinals from all over the world gather to perform their primary function - to elect a new Pope. There is one Cardinal who is in charge of the Church during he interregnum known as the Sede Vacant (the period when an episcopal see is vacant usually applied to the See of Rome), although he can make no lasting official decisions. They meet in the Sistine Chapel and vote, the new Pope must receive two thirds plus one, I believe. Most Catholic pray fervently during this period, not only for the repose of the old Pope, but for the Holy Spirit's guidance of the Cardinals in the selection of a new Pope, and for his guidance by the Holy Spirit when he accepts the mantle of Peter.

Answer 2

A Rite in the Catholic Church refers to one of the major branches of the Catholic religion: Latin (Roman), Antiochene, Alexandrine, and Gallican. If you are referring to Rites of the Liturgy, then the Holy Father would be given what used to be called Last Rites: which involve confession, absolution, the Apostolic Blessing, Viaticum (the Last Holy Communion before dying), and Extreme Unction (Anointing).

After he dies, there are several functions carried out, including ascertaining that he is really dead, which used to be carried out by tapping his forehead with a silver hammer and calling his Christian name, then the sealing of the Papal chambers until the election of a new Pope. Finally, the Holy Father's body is embalmed and sealed in three caskets, and the funeral rites are begun when the Cardinals are assembled.