After Pope Francis's body arrived at Saint Peter's Basilica for his funeral in April 2025, an old video was shared in social media posts that falsely claimed it showed the late Catholic leader's funeral wake.

While Francis kept open the possibility, and even had a resignation letter prepared, he said more recently that he believed that the papacy was for life. And he ultimately lived out that belief, serving in his ministry until his death on Monday, at the age of 88.

The cardinals -- at least, those under 80 years old -- vote for as long as it takes to elect Pope Francis' successor.