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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 34801, member: 636"]
The Vatican just shared that Pope Francis has died. When this happens, the Church must choose a new leader. Most popes serve until death, though some step down early. Church rules make it impossible to remove a pope - they must die or quit.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell takes charge after the pope dies. He follows a thick guidebook about papal funerals. First, he calls out "Jorge Mario Bergoglio" three times. If no answer comes, death becomes official. Next, they break the Fisherman's Ring to show that the Pope's authority has ended. Workers seal off the papal living quarters for protection.

The public learns about a pope's death when St. Peter's bell rings once for each year of his life. This didn't happen when Benedict XVI left office because he resigned instead of dying. The Church enters a special time called Sede Vacante, which means "empty seat." During this period, cardinals gather to select who will lead Catholics worldwide next.
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