A conclave to choose a new pope normally takes place 15 to 20 days after the death of a pontiff, meaning this conclave should not start before May 6.

Among the many traditions and rituals that come into play following the death of a pope, one that has once again garnered attention following the passing of Pope Francis is the fate of the Fisherman's Ring. Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke and cardiac arrest.

The pontiff’s death initiated a well-structured series of rituals designed to mourn the loss of the 1.3 billion-member church’s leader and to ensure stability with the selection of a new pope.