Pope's chambers sealed, Fisherman's Ring destroyed

Pope Francis passed away yesterday morning at the age of 88. Following the Pope's death, the process stipulated by canon law for when a pope dies has been initiated in the Vatican.

According to reports from the Vatican's official media outlet, Vatican News, the procedures of reading the death announcement aloud and placing the body in the coffin were carried out around 8:00 PM last night.

ROOMS SEALED

Following this procedure, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who holds the title of "Camerlengo" (Chamberlain of the Holy Roman Church)—the official who manages the transition period when a pope dies or resigns until the next pope is elected—along with Vatican Secretary of State (Prime Minister) Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, closed and sealed Pope Francis's residence and the rooms he used personally in the Apostolic Palace.

"FISHERMAN'S RING" DESTROYED

Under the supervision of Camerlengo Cardinal Farrell, the "Fisherman's Ring," which serves as the papal seal, was also destroyed, and in accordance with canon law, "Sede Vacante," Latin for "the see is vacant," was declared. V

atican's official website has also updated its status to "Sede Vacante."

FIRST MEETING FOLLOWING THE POPE'S DEATH

Meanwhile, it was stated that the Congregation of Cardinals would hold its first meeting this morning following the death of Pope Francis, and that a date for Pope Francis's funeral ceremony could be set during this meeting.