Pope Francis dies at 88: Here's how the next Pope will be elected

A man holding a white rose stands at St Peter's square following the death of Pope Francis in the Vatican on April 21, 2025. Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025 aged 88, a day after making a much hoped-for appearance at Saint Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)

The death of Pope Francis on Monday sets in motion centuries-old traditions which will culminate in the election by cardinals of a new pontiff -- but with a few changes.

Here is how the process unfolds: