New pope elected after white smoke seen from Sistine Chapel
A new pope has now been selected following the death of Pope Francis on Monday 21 April, with white smoke being spotted emerging from inside the Sistine Chapel.
It was previously confirmed that the late 88-year-old Bishop of Rome's cause of death was due to a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Following the confirmation of his death, the nine days of mourning were commenced while the church enacted a series of rituals before a successor was eventually chosen.
Now, until the successor was chosen, the Vatican remained transitional period which is known as 'sede vacante' - meaning vacant seat - but this vacant seat has since been filled.
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The voting process to elect a new pope is known as a papal conclave.
The decision in question was made by the College of Cardinals, who were made to vote four times per day until the chosen candidate received a major two-thirds of the vote.
Likely candidates on the list included Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Cardinal Peter Erdö, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi and Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke.
And according to latest reports - led by PA - the new Pope set to replace Pope Francis has now been selected.
His identity is yet to be revealed, however.
The day after Francis' death (22 April), his final will containing his last wishes was released to the public.
In the will, he mapped out his wishes for a 'simple' tomb 'in the ground' bearing only the inscription 'Franciscus' - an ode to his papal name which is in honour of St Francis of Assisi, who was also praised for his progressive attitude and humility.
Pope Francis previously said St Francis inspired him as 'the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation'.
The late Pope Francis' final testament, which was signed 29 June 2022, reads in full: "As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.
"Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary. For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every Apostolic Journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.
"I ask that my tomb be prepared in the burial niche in the side aisle between the Pauline Chapel (Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani) and the Sforza Chapel of the Basilica, as shown in the attached plan.
"The tomb should be in the ground; simple, without particular ornamentation, bearing only the inscription: Franciscus.
"The cost of preparing the burial will be covered by a sum provided by a benefactor, which I have arranged to be transferred to the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"I have given the necessary instructions regarding this to Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas, Extraordinary Commissioner of the Liberian Basilica.
"May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me.
"The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples."
Topics: World News, News, Pope Francis
Rhiannon Ingle