The pope’s funeral, known as the “Missa poenitentialis,” will take place in St. Peter’s Square in front of pilgrims and delegates of the world’s governments, as well as being broadcast internationally. Typically, the pontiff’s body is placed in a casket made of three materials—cypress, lead, and walnut—and then covered with a silk veil before being sealed and transported under the basilica to the Vatican Grottoes, where the remains of almost all his predecessors rest. However, Pope Francis changed this process too: He asked to be buried in the Basilica of St. Mary Major, his favorite place of prayer even before he became pope. He also simplified the funeral ritual, reducing the vigils from two to one and eliminating the ceremony of closing the coffin.

Then begins the period of the Conclave—this is the collegial gathering of all the Cardinal electors who will meet in the Vatican to elect Bergoglio’s successor. The name comes from the Latin cum clave, meaning “with key,” reflecting the closed process of electing a new pope. Usually, this begins 15 to 20 days after the pontiff’s death, to allow cardinals from around the world to reach Rome. Here, too, Pope Francis had streamlined procedures, urging the cardinals to bring forward the start of the Conclave if all the electors were already in the Vatican before the canonical 15 days.

There are more than 220 cardinals from over 70 countries. Those over the age of 80 are excluded from voting, meaning there are only around 120 voting cardinal electors. Two-thirds of the cardinal electors were chosen by Francis in the last decade, with many of a certain age and viewpoints that reflect his more progressive ways. This could, then, very much influence his successor and continue to usher in more liberal values for the Catholic Church.

The gathered Cardinals will then begin decision-making in the Sistine Chapel, proceedings taking place under the stunning painting ceiling of Michelangelo. Someone will announce: “Extra omnes,” meaning everyone must get out and the doors are locked. The room will only include voting cardinals, some officials, and doctors. Cardinals wear a secrecy oath. No contact with the outside world is allowed during the process, phones are removed, and the room is checked for listening devices. The Cardinals will stay in St Martha’s house, a purpose-built hostel.