(Rome) – The College of Cardinals will soon hold several meetings at the Vatican to start the process of selecting a new pope. They will prep for the upcoming papal election, called a conclave, 15-to-20 days after the Pope’s death, depending on how long it takes for the cardinals to arrive in Vatican City. Conclaves are held in the Sistine Chapel and have historically lasted an average of four days. The candidate needs a two-thirds majority to become Pope. Ballots used in the last round are burnt and used to create smoke signals. Black smoke means a failed election while white means a successful one.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday after suffering a stroke at age 88. His funeral will take place on Saturday.
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