The cardinals, from 70 countries, will be sequestered from the outside world, their cellphones surrendered and airwaves around the Vatican jammed to prevent them from all communications until they find a new leader for the 1.4 billion-member church.
The conclave will start behind the closed doors of the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday afternoon, with all cardinals under the age of 80 able to vote on who should be the next leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church.
Following Pope Francis’s death, conservative Catholics are hoping for a traditionalist successor. However, Vatican insiders and experts cited by The Washington Post say such a shift remains highly improbable.
Thousands have already visited the church, with police urging visitors to leave as soon as soon they have seen the tomb, to help keep the long queue moving.
With Pope Francis laid to rest, cardinals prepare for the conclave to elect his successor, amid hopes and concerns about the future direction of the Catholic Church.
The Vatican said at least 130 foreign delegations had confirmed their attendance at Pope Francis's funeral, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.
Once Francis is laid to rest, the Vatican will announce a conclave in which red-hatted cardinals from around the world vote for a new pope.
Pope Francis Funeral News Updates: Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away on Monday after a long health struggle. His funeral will be held on Saturday, with French President Macron and Ukrainian President Zelensky attending, while Russian President Putin will not be present.
The death of Pope Francis brings renewed attention to the challenges facing Catholicism globally, particularly the decline in adherence and participation across various regions.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, just before the pontiff’s death. Their exchange highlighted shared faith, political contrasts, and Vance’s tribute to Francis’ global impact.
‘Pope Francis: A Man of His Word’ offers an intimate and thought-provoking portrait of a spiritual leader unafraid to speak truth to power. Through his words and actions, the film reveals a man grounded in humility, compassion, and conviction.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell has assumed interim leadership at the Vatican following Pope Francis' death. As camerlengo, he manages the Vatican's affairs, confirming the pope's death and overseeing funeral and conclave preparations.
Global tributes pour in for Pope Francis after his death at 88. Leaders from around the world praised his humility, dedication to peace, and advocacy for the poor, while others noted his controversial stances.
Francis, who was the first non-European Pope in nearly 1,300 years, died on Monday. He was 88.
This gesture marks one of the rare occasions a US President has issued such a nationwide order to honor the passing of a religious leader.
Pope Francis Death News: When a pope dies, the Vatican follows a deeply ceremonial and meticulously structured process to confirm and announce the death.
This will be the first time in over 100 years that a pope will be buried outside the Vatican.
The Pope had recently Trump administration’s deportation policies and urged Catholics to reject anti-immigrant narratives.
From the pope’s passing to the election of a new leader, the Catholic Church follows a centuries-old, meticulously orchestrated process.
Pope Francis had a notable relationship with India and its leadership, particularly PM Modi. Their interactions underscored a shared commitment to social justice, interfaith, and global development.
Known for his humility, progressive views, and ability to connect with people across faiths and ideologies, Pope Francis left behind a papacy filled with powerful words that resonated far beyond the walls of the Vatican.
Pope Francis, the beloved head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88 following a serious battle with double pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed his passing after days of intense medical care and a prolonged respiratory crisis. As tributes pour in from across the globe, 1.4 billion Catholics enter a period of mourning for the spiritual leader who guided the Church for over a decade.
Dubbed "the people's Pope", the Argentine pontiff doesn’t just leave behind a legacy marked by significant reforms, but also one with notable controversies.
Pope Francis passes away at 88, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, reform, and dedication to social justice. Read more about his life, achievements, and final moments.
"At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," the Vatican said in a video statement.