The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals well before the conclave to elect his ...

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 Chapel.

Pope Francis's final testament has been released by the Vatican, in which he shares his wishes for his burial and expresses ...

Pope Francis wrote about his wishes and plans for his own funeral in his memoir Hope: The Autobiography, which was published in January 2025. He specified which church he wished to be buried in and ...