A huge gathering of the Catholic faithful will come together to grieve the loss of Pope Francis in the coming days, followed by the secretive and potentially lengthy process of cardinals choosing a new pontiff.
The secret meeting of cardinals, known as the conclave, usually begins between 15 and 20 days after a pope’s death.
Although if cardinals agree, then it could begin earlier.
There is no set time for the conclave to elect a new pope while a two thirds majority is required for a new pope to be elected.
RTÉ News' Fiona Mitchell outlines from Rome exactly how the process works.
