How to become the Pope: The centuries-old process that determines who becomes the next pontiff

The death of Pope Francis has triggered what is known as the sede vacante, Latin for “the seat being vacant” The Catholic Church will now observe a period of nine days of mourning.

The College of Cardinals , made up of senior church leaders under the age of 80 , is summoned to Rome to elect Francis ’ successor.

The election of a new pope is more than just a religious event, it is a process that sets the direction of the growing Catholic Church .