Pope Francis died at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke, sparking global tributes and a process to select his successor. Cardinals will convene to determine the funeral date, which is likely to occur at St Peter's Basilica between Friday and Sunday. The conclave for electing a new pope will begin within 15 to 20 days post-death. Notable contenders for the papacy have emerged amidst expected tensions between conservative and reformer factions within the church, reflective of the divisions that characterized Francis's reformist agenda during his papacy.
Tributes have poured in from around the globe for the liberal reformer who took over after the resignation of the German theologian Benedict XVI in 2013.
The funeral is due to be held at St Peter's Basilica with heads of state, including Donald Trump, expected to attend.
The pontiff's death is likely to exacerbate sharp divisions within the curia, with conservatives seeking to wrest control of the church away from reformers.
During his 12-year papacy, Francis was a vocal champion of the world's poor, dispossessed and disadvantaged.
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