Most of the funeral will be celebrated in Latin, and there will be incense and hymns and Gregorian chants. Attended by dozens of heads of state, monarchs and other dignitaries, it will be, in any case, a spectacle. And at the center of it all will be Francis’ simple coffin, on the esplanade of St. Peter’s Basilica.

The conclave to elect a new pope will begin on May 7, the Vatican said on Monday. Why it matters: The results of the papal election will determine priorities during the next stage of the Catholic Church.