After Pope Francis’ funeral, 135 cardinals will gather for a conclave to elect a new pope. The traditions include oaths of secrecy, paper ballots and white smoke from a chimney of the Sistine Chapel.

Pope Francis stipulated that he be laid to rest at the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major, where six other popes are buried.

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Experts say there isn’t a single front-runner, but several names have been cited as indications of which direction the Roman Catholic Church might take.

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Many of the rituals and procedures of selecting a new pope — designed to ensure secrecy and an orderly transition — have remained unchanged for centuries.

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