New Delhi, April 21 -- As Pope Francis has died, a series of orchestrated rites and rituals will set in motion to elect his successor.

The pope died on Monday morning at the age of 88 years, after months of illness.

Some days back, he was discharged from the hospital after undergoing treatment for a complex respiratory infection.

Several events follow the sad demise, including the certification of death and public display of the pope's body for the faithful to pay their respects, the funeral, and burial.

Last year, he revised various rites, simplifying the funeral rituals to emphasise his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican in keeping with his wishes.

To become a pope, a candidate must be a baptised and ...