A conclave to choose a new pope normally takes place 15 to 20 days after the death of a pontiff, meaning this conclave should not start before May 6.

The body of Pope Francis has been transferred into the Basilica at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Vatican on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. The late pontiff will lie in state in a simple

A pope’s death is confirmed by the head of the Vatican’s health department and the cardinal chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church, who becomes the Vatican’s de facto administrator. The pope’s body is dressed in a white cassock and brought to the pope’s private chapel.