Pope Francis passed on early Easter Monday, April 21, leaving a gap in the position he has occupied over the last decade since his election in 2013.
Following his passing, a conclave- an assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope- is expected to convene in the next 15 to 20 days to choose his replacement.
This period will allow for the funeral rites, a nine-day mourning period known as the novemdiales, and provide time for cardinals worldwide to travel to Vatican City. The election will be conducted behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel by a College of Cardinals and will be guided by a combination of traditional, theological, and political considerations. Pope Francis at General Audience.
Photo Vatican Media The College of Cardinals, which is composed of those under 80 years old, will vote via secret ballot, where a two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope.
