St. John Paul II rewrote the regulations on papal elections ... Here is what happens when a pope dies, a period known as the “sede vacante,” or the “vacant See.” If the pope has died ...

After Pope Francis’ funeral, 135 cardinals will gather for a conclave to elect a new pope. The traditions include oaths of secrecy, paper ballots and white smoke from a chimney of the Sistine ...

St. John Paul II rewrote the regulations on papal elections ... Here is what happens when a pope dies, a period known as the “sede vacante,” or the “vacant See.” After the pope has died ...

The instructions are found in St. John Paul II’s 1996 apostolic constitution ... The funeral and burial of a pope who dies in office should take place “between the fourth and sixth day ...