In the conclave, the secret process of choosing a new pope, 135 cardinals under the age of 80 will vote for Francis's successor - 108 of whom were appointed by him, which may increase the likelihood that the next pontiff will have a similarly progressive vision for the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. The Vatican announced he died of a stroke at his Santa Maria residence, almost a month after a five-week stay in hospital battling pneumonia. Elected on March 13,

With the death of Pope Francis, announced by the Vatican on Monday, the Roman Catholic Church will begin elaborate rituals steeped in tradition that mark the end of one papacy and lead to the start of the next.