What happens when a pope dies? The Church follows an elaborate process: a nine-day mourning period, sealed papal chambers and the College of Cardinals preparing for a new conclave. Most top-level Vatican officials lose their positions, except for the “camerlengo” and and the head of the Apostolic Penitentiary — and even the pope’s ring is destroyed. From OSV News, here’s how the Church navigates the transition between popes 👇