SSM TUESDAY EXCLUSIVE OP-ED ._ *What happens when Pope Francis dies - and how the next pope is chosen*⭐⭐⭐---With Pope Francis remaining in a critical condition in hospital, millions of Catholics are praying that he will recover. The Vatican offered hope today by saying there has been a 'slight improvement' in the condition of the Pontiff, who was admitted on Valentine's Day with an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs. But the plight of the Argentine has prompted discussion about what will happen when the worst news does come.-----After the death of a pope, their funeral will take place a maximum of six days later, during which time their body lies in state in St Peter's Basilica. The Conclave - where cardinals gather in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to choose a successor - will not happen for at least 15 days from the day of the pope's passing. The Vatican Chamberlain, currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell, will first certify officially that the Pope is dead by calling his name three times at his bedside. The Pope's office and private apartments will be sealed and the papal fisherman's ring removed from his finger and broken with a hammer. The body of the Pope will then be dressed in red robes with a white mitre on his head, and he will be taken to St Peter's Basilica to lie in state for three days. *READ MORE👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽*