Francis’ death prompts a period of mourning, after which all cardinals under the age of 80 will convene to pick the next leader of the Catholic Church. It typically takes between two and three weeks for a new pope to be chosen.

His death has triggered a mourning period which involves centuries-old rites. It has also set into motion the process for electing a new pontiff. A conclave can be expected to be held between 15 and 20 days after Francis’s death.

The conclave begins with a celebration of mass, after which deliberations and voting begins. Votes are taken each day, morning and afternoon, until a candidate wins a two-thirds majority. There is a day’s break for prayer and reflection after every seven ballots.

This is how a group of MEN choose a new Pope and thusly proclaim he was chosen by God.