When the Pope dies (or resigns, as in the rare case of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013), the cardinals are summoned to a meeting at the Vatican, followed by the conclave, as the election is known.
During the time between the Pope's death and the election of his successor, the College of Cardinals governs the Church.
According to a BBC report, the election is held in strict secrecy inside the Sistine Chapel, famously painted by Michelangelo.
However, individual cardinals vote for their preferred candidate until a winner is determined, a process which can take several days.
