Catholic cardinals have admitted some apprehension at the responsibility of choosing his successor, as they begin setting out what they hope to see in the next head of the Church.

Vatican City

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88 from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis Dies

Catholic cardinals are preparing to gather at the Vatican as they begin the process of electing a successor to Pope Francis. Over a hundred cardinals have met for the fourth time since the pontiff's passing, under the supervision of the Carmelengo, who oversees the Holy See affairs until a new pope is elected. Cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote in the conclave that will ultimately decide the new head of the Catholic Church.

The conclave itself will not commence immediately, as a nine-day period of public mourning must first occur. When the conclave begins, it will take place in the Sistine Chapel, and traditional protocols will be followed, including an initial single ballot on the first day. To be elected as pope, a candidate must secure the support of 90 cardinals, often requiring several rounds of voting.

Progress of the conclave will remain largely private, with the world receiving updates primarily through the historical indicator of white smoke emitted from the Sistine Chapel's chimney, signifying the election of a new pope. Additionally, the ringing of the bells at St Peter's Basilica will herald the beginning of the new papacy. 



Cardinals will soon gather to elect Francis’ successor at the Vatican

A potential new pope might be in this room. More than 100 cardinals gathered on Friday, their fourth meeting since the pontiff's death on Easter Monday. Under the leadership of the Carmelengo, the cardinal in charge of the day-to-day running of the Holy See, pending the election of a new pope. In the assembly, those under the age of 80 are the cardinal electors, who will vote in conclave to choose the successor of Pope Francis. No, not yet. We're not at the decision stage yet. We're still at the discussion stage. The work of the conclave to choose a new pope won't start until at least the 5th of May, after nine days of public mourning. The cardinals will meet in the Sistine Chapel. On the first day of the conclave, a single ballot is traditionally held. Each cardinal votes for the candidate they wish to become pope, and they can vote for themselves if they wish. A new pope is elected when a candidate has secured the support of 90 cardinals, which can take several rounds of voting. To the outside world, the only information about how the conclave is progressing is the famous white smoke from the Sistine Chapel's chimney when ballot papers are burned after each round of voting. Then, by the bells of St Peter's Basilica, announcing the new papacy.

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Pope Francis Dies