Pope Francis Death and Papal Election

The death of Pope Francis initiates a centuries-old ritual for the Catholic Church, known as 'sede vacante,' leading to the election of a new pope. Cardinal Don Farrell, as camerlengo, certifies the death and manages the Holy See's administrative and financial duties. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, summons cardinals for the funeral and pre-conclave meetings. The conclave, held in the Sistine Chapel, involves secret ballots and requires a two-thirds majority for election, a rule reinforced by Pope Benedict XVI. Pope John Paul II's 1996 regulations largely govern the process. White smoke signals a new pope has been chosen, while black smoke indicates no decision. Possible candidates ('papabile') include Cardinals Pietro Parolin, Marc Ouellet, Christoph Schönborn, Antonio Tajani, and Matteo Zuppi. Pope Francis also reformed his funeral rites and chose St. Mary Major Basilica as his burial place.