A Biblical Smackdown of Papal Pageantry
Alright, theology nerds—grab your Bibles (and maybe a snack), because we’re diving headfirst into the Roman Catholic Church’s nine-step papal succession process. Sachin Jose recently broke it down in a viral X thread [insert link], and while the world is busy watching incense burn and rings shatter, we’re asking one crucial question:
Is any of this actually biblical?
On April 21, 2025, the world learned that Pope Francis, age 88, passed away from a stroke and heart failure—just one day after addressing the Easter crowd in St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican kicked off its ancient rituals, heavy on symbolism and light on Scripture. So let’s walk through each step with open Bibles, sharp minds, and James White-level sarcasm. For more scriptural firepower, check out our Short Powerful Sermons.
1. Confirmation of Death: The Camerlengo’s Name-Calling Game
What They Do
Cardinal Kevin Farrell (the Camerlengo) called out “Jorge Mario Bergoglio”three times to confirm the pope’s death. No answer? Case closed.
What the Bible Says
When Stephen died (Acts 8:2), they buried him and got back to preaching. No shouting his name three times like a Catholic Beetlejuice.
Snark Level
If I called my cat three times and she didn’t answer, I wouldn’t assume she died—I’d assume she’s plotting my downfall. How about a pulse check, not a roll call?
2. Destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring: Smash That Bling
What They Do
To prevent forgery, they smash the pope’s ring. Yes, seriously.
What the Bible Says
Paul didn’t pass Timothy a ring—he passed down the Gospel (1 Cor. 15:3–4). The only thing getting “smashed” in Scripture is false doctrine.
Snark Level
Imagine Paul being handed a ring like it’s the papal version of Frodo. “One ring to rule them all”? Nah, bro. Read Galatians.
3. Official Announcement: Bells, Flags, and Drama
What They Do
Bells ring, flags drop, and the Vatican proclaims: “Pope Francis is dead.”
What the Bible Says
Respect? Sure. Biblical precedent? Zero. When Peter died, they didn’t blast trumpets—they just preached Christ harder.
Snark Level
If early Christians had bells, it’d be to celebrate resurrection, not notify HR that the CEO is gone.
4. Nine Days of Mourning: Masses for the Soul
What They Do
Nine Masses (Novendiale) are held for Pope Francis’s soul.
What the Bible Says
Hebrews 9:27: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” No purgatory, no points system, no novenas.
Snark Level
Nine days of liturgy for a soul that’s already judged? That’s like cramming after the final exam.
5. Burial: Single Coffin Simplicity
What They Do
Francis requested one simple wooden coffin, not three stacked ones like previous popes. He’ll be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica.
What the Bible Says
Burial is about hope in resurrection (1 Cor. 15:20–22), not deluxe casket options.
Snark Level
Bonus points for ditching the bling, but you can’t earn humility with coffin upgrades. Either way—dust to dust.
6. Sede Vacante: The Church Hits Pause
What They Do
Until a new pope is elected, the Vatican enters “sede vacante”—a paused governance period.
What the Bible Says
The Church doesn’t stop when a leader dies. Christ is the Head (Col. 1:18). Always has been.
Snark Level
The Church on pause? It’s not a Netflix show—it’s the Body of Christ. Keep it moving.
7. Preparation for the Vatican Conclave: Cardinals Assemble
What They Do
Cardinals under 80 fly to Rome to prep for the next vote—yes, there’s an age cutoff.
What the Bible Says
Elders were appointed for godliness, not age or seniority (Titus 1:5–9).
Snark Level
Age-based clergy clubs? Might as well throw in Bingo night. Let’s talk spiritual qualifications instead.
See also: Biblical Gender Roles: The Bible’s Clear Stance on Women in Combat
8. The Conclave: Secret Ballot Bonanza
What They Do
Cardinals vote in secret until someone wins a two-thirds majority. White smoke = new pope.
What the Bible Says
Acts 1:24–26 shows leaders chosen by prayer and lots, not ballots and politics.
Snark Level
“Survivor: Vatican Edition.” The early church didn’t need white smoke—they had the Holy Spirit.
9. Habemus Papam! Meet Your New Vicar
What They Do
A cardinal steps out and declares, “Habemus Papam!”—we have a pope.
What the Bible Says
The only “Vicar of Christ” is… Christ. Hebrews 7:24–25 makes it clear: His priesthood is eternal. No substitute needed.
Snark Level
Jesus doesn’t need a stand-in. He’s not on vacation. We don’t need theatrics—we need the truth.
Final Thoughts
Pope Francis’s death on April 21, 2025, closes a chapter in Vatican history. But for Bible-believing Christians, it’s another reminder: the Church is built on Christ alone, not conclaves, not rings, not rituals.
So while the world watches for white smoke, we’re clinging to the only Head of the Church—Jesus Christ.
No drama. No politics. Just the Gospel.
Soli Deo Gloria.
