What happens after the death of Pope Francis?

Reuters

The funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, in front of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Preparations have begun for the conclave, the process by which cardinals will elect the next Pope.

How was the death of Pope Francis announced?

Pope Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday aged 88.

The Vatican said he died following a stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure at 07:35 local time (06:35 BST).

His death was announced less than 24 hours after he led an Easter Sunday address in front of thousands of worshipers in St Peter's Square.

Getty Images

Pope Francis waved to the crowds from the balcony overlooking St Peter's Square on Sunday and wished them a happy Easter - his final words in public

It followed a period of ill-health that saw the Pope spend five weeks in hospital with double pneumonia.

Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected Pope in 2013.

Read more:

• The Pope from Latin America who changed Catholic Church
• Pope Francis's life in pictures
• LIVE: Pope Francis's funeral to be held on Saturday