What happens after Pope Francis’ death and how is a successor elected?

Pope Francis died on Monday aged 88, marking the end of a transformative 12-year papacy defined by humility, global outreach, and efforts to modernize the Church.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, it is with deep sorrow that I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” said Cardinal Kevin Farrell in the statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.

“This morning at 7:35 a.m. (0535 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”

His death comes a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday.

Now, all eyes turn to the Vatican, where the process of selecting his successor is officially underway.

What happens now?

After officially confirming the pope’s death, Cardinal Kevin Farrell – Pope Francis’ camerlengo – must now prepare the funeral.

The camerlengo and three assistants then decide when the pope’s coffin will be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing, and also make sure his “Fisherman’s Ring” and lead seal are broken so they cannot be used by anyone else.

No autopsy is performed.

Mourning rites last nine days, with the date of the funeral and burial to be decided by the cardinals.

The funeral would normally be held four to six days after the death, in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis had said that unlike many predecessors, he would not be laid to rest in the crypt of St. Peter’s Basilica, but in Rome’s St. Mary Major Basilica. He also asked to be buried in a simple wooden casket.

What happens in the lead up to choosing a new pope?

With the papal seat now vacant, the Church enters “sede vacante” – Latin for “the seat being vacant.”

During this period, the day-to-day operations of the Holy See are overseen by the College of Cardinals.

They have limited power and much of the central church administration grinds to a halt.

Preparations for the election of the next pope begin immediately.

How is a pope selected?

The responsibility of choosing the next pope falls to the College of Cardinals, specifically those under the age of 80 – currently 137 members. They will gather in strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel for what is known as a conclave.

The conclave to elect a new pope starts in chapel between 15 and 20 days after the death. The cardinals, who are confined to the Vatican for the duration of the conclave, decide the exact day.

Each cardinal elector casts secret ballots up to four times daily. To be elected pope, a candidate must receive a two-thirds majority.

The world learns a pope has been elected when an official burns the paper ballots with special chemicals to make white smoke pour from the chapel’s chimney.

They use other chemicals to make black smoke, which indicates an inconclusive vote.

When the election is concluded, the new pope is asked if he accepts and what name he wishes to take.

The dean of the College of Cardinals steps onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to announce “Habemus Papam” – which means “We have a pope.”

The new pope then appears and gives the crowd in the square his blessing.

Who might be the next pope?

In the months following Pope Francis’ declining health, certain cardinals have been widely considered to be front-runners in the case of his death, according to reports.

Here are the top front-runners:

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Italy): Vatican Secretary of State and a seasoned diplomat, Parolin has been central to key negotiations, including the Vatican’s deals with China and Cuba.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines): Known for his pastoral approach and global appeal, Tagle embodies many of Francis’ values, including humility and outreach to the poor.

Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana): A potential choice for the first African pope in over 1,500 years, Turkson is a prominent voice on climate change and social justice.

Cardinal Robert Sarah (Guinea): Representing a more conservative wing, Sarah is known for his traditionalist theological positions.

Francis’ influence on the next conclave will be significant, according to reports.

More than 70 percent of the cardinal electors were appointed by him, which may favor a successor who shares his vision of a more inclusive, globally representative church.