What happens after the pope dies?

Vatican City: The death of Pope Francis on Monday sets in motion centuries old traditions which will culminate in the election by cardinals of a new p...

Vatican City: The death of Pope Francis on Monday sets in motion centuries-old traditions which will culminate in the election by cardinals of a new pontiff -- but with a few changes.

Here is how the process unfolds:

Sede Vacante

The Catholic Church enters a period known as "Sede Vacante" (Vacant See) during which a senior cardinal takes over day-to-day affairs until a new pope is elected.

The cardinal, referred to as the "camerlengo" ("chamberlain"), in this case will be Irish-American Kevin Farrell, appointed to the role by Francis in February 2019.