College of Cardinals

Following Pope Francis's death, the next Pope will be chosen by the College of Cardinals, who will gather for a tradition known as the conclave.

As the College of Cardinals meets at the Vatican in the coming weeks to elect Francis’ successor, Gomez, a mere archbishop, will stay home.

This is when the College of Cardinals will gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City for the conclave.

The College of Cardinals will meet in conclave in the Sistine Chapel to debate and then vote for their preferred candidates until a single name prevails.

The dean of the College of Cardinals has 15 to 20 days to summon the cardinals to Rome once the Pope is buried.