Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope of the Roman Catholic Church, has died after a long illness. The pope was 88 years old and was hospitalized for 38 days this year with double pneumonia.
After the death of a pope, the Vatican observes a nine-day period of mourning known as Novendial, an ancient Roman tradition that continues today. During this time, preparations for the election of the next pope will begin.
After the mourning period, cardinals will be called to a conclave to elect the next pontiff. Currently, of the 135 cardinals eligible to vote in a papal conclave, four are from India.