An explanation of some of the terms and practices related to the time between the death of Pope Francis April 21 and the election of his successor.

After the deaths or resignations of their predecessors, the last six popes have been elected within a fairly short period of time — between two and three weeks.

Cardinals already present in Rome and those who were able to get to the city after Pope Francis’ death April 21 held their first meeting at the Vatican April 22.

The funeral Mass of Pope Francis will be celebrated April 26 in St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican announced.

​Weeks ago, when it became clear that Pope Francis’ health was failing, I thought I had come to terms with the possibility of him passing away. When I woke up to the news that he had died, however, I realized I wasn’t prepared at all. Yes, we knew he was elderly and battling double pneumonia. […]