The Vatican has begun formal preparations for the election of a new pope following the death of Pope Francis on Monday at the age of 88.
According to reports from the Vatican, the pontiff passed away after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest. His funeral has been scheduled for Saturday, with nine days of mourning to follow—a traditional period known as novemdiales.
After the mourning period, cardinals from around the world will convene in the Sistine Chapel for a secret conclave to elect the 267th pontiff. The process, which typically lasts two to three weeks, involves successive rounds of voting until a new pope is chosen. Each set of ballots is ceremonially burned after every session. When a decision is reached, white smoke will rise from the chapel’s chimney, signaling to the world that a new pope has been elected.
In the interim, Cardinal Kevin Farrell—an Irish-born American citizen—will assume the role of camerlengo (chamberlain), overseeing the daily operations of the Vatican and coordinating preparations for the conclave.
A special Mass to inaugurate the newly elected pope will take place shortly after the announcement, ushering in a new chapter for the Catholic Church’s 1.4 billion faithful around the globe.
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