What the next Pope will be expected to do when he's appointed

As the Vatican prepares for an imminent conclave following the death of Pope Francis, many might be wondering what the job of the pope actually entails.

12 years after his election, it was announced on Easter Monday that Pope Francis (born Jorge Mario Bergoglio) had died at the age of 88, leaving the Catholic Church's cardinals suspended in nine days of mourning - known as the Novendiales - which'll include his funeral this Saturday (April 26).

And, according to the late pope's final wishes, he would like to forego the usual papal tradition of being buried beneath St Peter's Basilica within three coffins.

But how does the succession process work and what will the new pope's duties be?

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

What happens next after the death of Pope Francis?

The process to elect a new pope begins after the predecessor's funeral, with the church's most senior officials, the College of Cardinals, convening to conduct an election.

These are all men who are typically ordained bishops and appointed directly by the Pope - and currently there are 252 of them, although only 138 will be eligible to vote for Pope Francis' successor.

This is because only cardinals aged 80 and under are eligible to cast a vote, although they are still allowed to share their thoughts on who they think is the best candidate.

When will the next pope be appointed?

The historic vote, which often happens between 15 to 20 days after the pope's death, is shrouded in secrecy.

Partly due to their age, likely candidates for papal election are cardinals Pietro Parolin, Peter Erdo, Luis Antonio Tagle, Matteo Zuppi and Raymond Leo Burke.

A nine-day period of mourning has begun (MONTEFORTE / AFP)

What will the pope be required to do?

First he's got to meet with the cardinal deacon; cardinal dean, secretary of the College of Cardinals, and master of papal liturgical celebrations.

The cardinal dean will ask him to officially accept the post as supreme pontiff, before confirming which name he'd like to choose.

When that's done and dusted, the master of papal liturgical celebrations certifies both of his answers, which instantly advances him to the Bishop of Rome title.

It is then tradition for the oldest cardinal to announce on the balcony above St. Peter's Square 'We have a new Pope', with his maiden undertaking being the imparting of the Apostolic Blessing to the watching world.

Inauguration, check. Now, the main man can commence his day-to-day responsibilities.

He will provide spiritual guidance to Catholicism practitioners as and when they require it; appoint bishops and cardinals; preside over beatification (entry into heaven) and canonisation ceremonies; spread the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church on his travels; rendezvous with global leaders and politicians, while also documenting the Church's position on issues our world faces.

These professional activities have significantly altered over the past two millennia. The pope was once responsible for crowning emperors and even held military power.

The Vatican City is located in Rome, Italy (Getty Stock Image)

How much will the pope be paid?

The pope does not receive a salary, but all his travel costs and living expenses are paid for by the Vatican.

Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Ferrell had the job of sharing the sad news of Francis' death.

His statement read: "At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune."