A papal conclave, the election of a new pope, tends to begin 15-20 days after a papal vacancy. Black or white smoke indicates each day's decision.

Pope Francis was laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, where his coffin was buried in an underground tomb.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell confirmed Pope Francis' d ied on April 21, the day after Easter, early in the morning. He was 88. Following the beloved pope's funeral, there will be a period of mourning before the selection process involving the governing body of the Vatican and the 135 cardinals eligible to participate in the conclave begins.