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Pope Francis, who died Monday at age 88, will be succeeded following a papal conclave in the Sistine Chapel.
After nine days of official mourning, cardinals from around the world will assemble in the Chapel to cast secret ballots.
The election process typically lasts two to three weeks; all ballots are burned after each round of voting.
Once a new pope is elected, white smoke will signal the result from the Chapel’s chimney. A Mass celebrating the inauguration of the 267th pope is scheduled for a few days thereafter.
In the interim, Cardinal Kevin Farrell an Irish‑born prelate who holds U.S. citizenship will serve as camerlengo.
He will oversee day‑to‑day Vatican administration and manage all preparations for the conclave.
