What happens when a pope dies? The passing of a pope sets in motion a series of centuries-old processes, including a nine-day mourning period, an elaborate burial, and the election of a new leader for the Catholic Church Pope Francis’ fisherman’s ring Balcony Domus Sanctae Marthae: Lodgings for cardinals taking part in conclaveCardinals take short bus ride to Sistine Chapel to vote Saint Peter’s Basilica St. Peter’s Square Sistine Chapel DEATH CONFIRMED Camerlengo – currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell (right) – officially confirms pope’s death, traditionally by tapping his head three times with small silver hammer and calling out his name When pontiff does not respond, his signet ring – known as fisherman’s ring – is smashed, signifying end of his reign. Papal apartments are sealed off and Vatican announces death to world MOURNING Pope’s death triggers Novendiale – nine days of mourning. Italy also declares national mourning Pope’s body is dressed in papal vestments before lying in state. Pope Francis asked not be put on display atop catafalque in St. Peter’s Basilica, as customary. Instead, his body will be left inside casket, with lid off for visitors to pay their respects Meanwhile, Vatican enters transitional period called sede vacante, during which rule of church is temporarily handed over to College of Cardinals BURIAL Funeral led by dean of College of Cardinals – currently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re (right) – takes place between four and six days after Pope’s death Traditionally, pope is buried in Vatican Grottoes, beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. But Pope Francis wanted to be buried at Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore basilica (below), making him first pontiff to be interred outside Vatican in more than a century Popes are entombed in three interlocking caskets made of cypress, lead and oak. Francis wished to be buried in single, zinc-lined wooden coffin CONCLAVE Two to three weeks after pope’s funeral, College of Cardinals convenes in Sistine Chapel to hold secretive process of electing new pope Pope is elected by two-thirds majority plus one. If no cardinal wins vote, ballots are burned to produce black smoke. White smoke indicates Pope has been chosen HABEMUS PAPAM! Once pope is chosen, representative from College reads out Latin announcement: “We have a pope” from balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. New pope steps out to give first public address Sources: Vatican, Politico Pictures: Newscom, Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS