How a New Pope Is Elected — and What Happens After Pope Francis' Death

VATICAN CITY — Following the death of Pope Francis, preparations are now underway for the election of a new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church has entered a period known as sede vacante, meaning "the seat is vacant," during which all major decisions are paused until a new pope is chosen.

The process begins with the College of Cardinals gathering in Rome for the conclave, a secretive election held inside the Sistine Chapel. Cardinals under the age of 80 will cast ballots up to four times a day, requiring a two-thirds majority to elect the next pope. After each vote, smoke rises from the chapel: black for no decision, white when a new pope is chosen.

The conclave is expected to begin within 15 to 20 days after Pope Francis' death, following the traditional mourning period. Vatican officials say preparations are already in progress, with the first rounds of voting likely to take place early next month.

The world now turns its attention to the Vatican, awaiting the white smoke that will signal the beginning of a new papacy.

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