The transition of leadership after a pope's death is a complex process steeped in tradition and governed by a specific vocabulary, much of it in Latin. Following Pope Francis's recent passing, the College of Cardinals, consisting of 252 members known as 'princes of the church', will convene in a conclave to elect the next pope, requiring a two-thirds majority vote. The camerlengo, currently Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, oversees Vatican administration during this interim period known as 'sede vacante', ensuring continuity until a new pope is chosen. The conclave process includes secret ballots and the famous white smoke signal, indicating a successful election, accompanied by the declaration 'Habemus papam' when the new pope appears. This process reflects the enduring traditions of the Roman Catholic Church, highlighting the intricate and ceremonial nature of papal succession.

The conclave is a secluded meeting of cardinals, derived from the Latin term meaning 'with key', where they are isolated without access to external communication until a new pope is elected by a two-thirds majority vote.

The College of Cardinals, responsible for electing the pope, consists of 252 cardinals who are the second-highest ranking Catholic prelates and are led by a dean, although only those under 80 can vote.

The camerlengo, a cardinal appointed by the pope prior to his death, manages the Vatican's affairs during the transition and is responsible for tasks such as handling the late pope's ceremonial ring and presiding over his burial.

'Sede vacante', meaning 'the seat is empty', is the period between popes when the camerlengo administers the Vatican and the College of Cardinals oversees the Church without making major decisions.

The conclave's voting process is marked by the burning of ballots, with black smoke indicating deadlock and white smoke, accompanied by the ringing of St. Peter’s Basilica's bells, signaling the election of a new pope.

The phrase 'Habemus papam' is proclaimed from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica when a new pope is selected, marking the conclusion of the election process and the beginning of a new papal era.

The transition period underscores the deep-rooted traditions and elaborate procedures of the Catholic Church, highlighting the importance of continuity and ceremony in the papal succession process.