When the spiritual leader of more than one billion Catholics dies, a complex sequence of rituals begins almost immediately.

These practices have developed over centuries and blend theology, symbolism, politics, and tradition in ways that often appear strange to modern observers.

Some of these customs involve objects that sound mythical, bodies treated in unexpected ways, and procedures that resemble scenes from medieval drama.

Together they form one of the most unusual death protocols in the world.

The following account explores fifteen lesser known facts about what happens when a pope dies, revealing how history, belief, and ceremony intersect at the highest level of the Catholic Church.

One of the most persistent legends surrounding papal death involves a silver hammer.

For generations it has been claimed that after a pope dies, the papal chamberlain enters the room and gently taps the pontiff forehead three times with a small silver hammer while calling his baptismal name.

According to the story, this act confirms death.

Vatican historians have repeatedly clarified that this ritual never officially existed.

No ceremonial books or historical records describe such a practice.

Despite this, the image has been repeated so often in popular media that it has become a form of modern folklore, demonstrating how myth can overshadow documented tradition.

Another startling reality lies near one of Rome most famous landmarks.

In a small baroque church close to the Trevi Fountain are stored the preserved hearts and internal organs of twenty two popes.

Beginning in the late sixteenth century and continuing until the early twentieth century, embalmers removed organs to aid preservation during extended funeral rites.

These organs were placed in labeled ceramic urns and stored beneath the church.

The practice combined practical concerns with symbolic meaning, treating the heart as a representation of devotion.

Though no longer performed, the collection remains sealed and hidden from public view.

Not all papal deaths were handled with success.

In nineteen fifty eight the body of Pope Pius the Twelfth became the center of a scandal when an experimental preservation method failed.

His personal physician attempted an unproven technique using oils and herbs instead of modern embalming chemicals.

Decomposition progressed rapidly during public viewing, causing severe discoloration, overwhelming odor, and eventually a rupture caused by internal gas buildup.

Guards fell ill and the Vatican faced international embarrassment.

The physician was banned from further involvement and the incident became a cautionary tale.

One of the most disturbing events in papal history occurred in the ninth century when a dead pope was placed on trial.

Pope Stephen the Sixth ordered the exhumation of his predecessor Pope Formosus.

The corpse was dressed in papal robes and placed on a throne while charges were read aloud.

A deacon spoke on behalf of the deceased.

After a guilty verdict, the body was mutilated and thrown into the Tiber River.

The event shocked even contemporaries and Stephen himself was later deposed and killed, illustrating the brutal political struggles of the era.

A far more restrained but symbolically powerful ritual involves the destruction of the ring of the fisherman.

This gold ring, unique to each pope, once served as an official seal.

Upon death, the chamberlain destroys the ring to prevent misuse and to signify the end of authority.

A new ring is created only after a new pope is elected, ensuring continuity without overlap.

The formal declaration of death includes the calling of the pope birth name three times.

This act emphasizes the humanity of the man behind the office.

Only after no response is given does the chamberlain declare the papal seat vacant.

The ritual transforms a medical fact into a solemn spiritual moment witnessed by officials.

Bells also play a crucial role.

The bells of Saint Peter Basilica toll once for each year of the pope life.

This slow counting can last many minutes and allows the city of Rome to understand both the death and the age of the pontiff.

The sound connects modern listeners to centuries of tradition.

Burial customs include placing coins from each year of the pope reign into the coffin.

These coins serve as a historical record and a symbolic reminder that worldly power ends with death.

They are carefully documented by Vatican officials.

Another item placed in the coffin is a rolled document summarizing the pope life and papacy.

Written in Latin, it details major events and decisions.

Sealed in a metal tube, it accompanies the pope into the tomb while a copy remains in Vatican archives.

The election of a new pope is announced by smoke rising from a chapel chimney.

The color is controlled through precise chemical mixtures to ensure clarity.

Black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke announces a successful election.

Modern chemistry ensures the signal is unmistakable.

Some conclaves have lasted far longer than modern ones.

The longest election in history took nearly three years in the thirteenth century.

Frustrated citizens eventually locked the cardinals inside and restricted food until a decision was made.

This led to the formal rules of conclave still used today.

After death, the papal apartments are sealed with ribbons and wax.

Guards prevent entry until a new pope is chosen.

This tradition began to prevent theft and now symbolizes the end of a reign.

Historically, popes were buried in three coffins made of wood and metal.

The layers provided protection and dignity.

Recent popes have simplified this custom, reflecting changing values.

A nine day mourning period known as the novendiales follows a papal death.

Daily masses are held and the body lies in state.

The final mass precedes burial and the beginning of the conclave.

During the period called sede vacante, most Vatican officials lose authority.

Only routine matters are handled and major decisions are postponed.

This ensures that ultimate power remains with the office of the pope, not temporary administrators.

Together these rituals form a system that blends faith, history, and order.

While some practices may seem strange, they reflect centuries of effort to manage death, authority, and continuity within one of the world oldest institutions.