Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has died aged 88. His death has triggered a mourning period which involves centuries-old rites. It has also set into motion the process for electing a new pontiff. A conclave can be expected to be held between 15 and 20 days after Francis’s death. The official duties are carried out by the Pope’s camerlengo or chamberlain, currently Irish-American Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
