How Will a New Pope Be Chosen After Francis’ Death?

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican announced on Monday, ending a groundbreaking pontificate. Cardinals will now decide whether to continue his approach or restore more doctrinaire leadership.

The death of a pope sets in motion a chain of rituals and procedures, many of which have remained unchanged for centuries. They were drafted and refined to ensure secrecy and an orderly transition.

Several Vatican officials step into designated roles to certify the pope’s death, organize a public viewing and a funeral, and to initiate the process for selecting a successor.

Here is what to expect for the period between pontiffs known as the interregnum.

Immediately after a pope’s death is confirmed by the head of the Vatican’s health department and the body is dressed in a white cassock and brought to the pope’s private chapel, the cardinal chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church becomes the Vatican’s de facto administrator.