Church prepares for the last rites

WITH the death of Pope Francis on Monday, the Catholic Church enters a period known as "Sede Vacante" (Vacant See) during which a senior cardinal takes over day-to-day affairs until a new pope is elected.

- 

The cardinal, referred to as the "camerlengo" ("chamberlain"), in this case will be Irish-American Kevin Farrell, appointed to the role by Francis in February 2019.

The camerlengo is also charged with destroying the "Fisherman's Ring", a gold signet ring specially cast for each new pope which once was used to seal documents.

Originally its destruction was to prevent forgery but today the act—in the presence of the cardinals at their first gathering of the Sede Vacante—simply symbolises the end of a papacy.

Nearly all prefects of Vatican offices lose their jobs when a pope dies, but a few stay on, including the foreign minister and the master of liturgical ceremonies, who plays a key role in assembling the conclave.