Following the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican has begun a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale, a tradition that dates back to ancient Rome. This period will be followed by preparations for the election of the next Pope, as the College of Cardinals gathers for a conclave to select a new Vicar of Christ.

Currently, there are 135 eligible cardinals who can participate in the papal conclave, including four from India. These are Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Cardinal Anthony Poola, and Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad.

Among the Indian cardinals:

• Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, 51, serves as the Cardinal-Deacon of S Antonio di Padova a Circonvallazione Appia and Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue.

• Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, 72, is the Metropolitan Archbishop of Goa and Daman, President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences.

• Cardinal Anthony Poola, 63, holds the position of Metropolitan Archbishop of Hyderabad.

• Cardinal Baselios Cleemis Thottunkal, is the Major Archbishop of Trivandrum of the Syro-Malankara Church and President of its Synod.

As of April 19, the total number of cardinals stands at 252, of which 135 are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to choose a new pope.

The election process will be marked by the symbolic smoke signals from the Sistine Chapel. Black smoke will indicate that no decision has been made, while white smoke will signal the election of a new pope.

Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta. The news was officially confirmed by the Vatican through a statement, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, delivering the announcement at 9:45 AM on Easter Monday.

"With great sorrow, I announce the death of our Holy Father Francis," said Cardinal Farrell. "At 7:35 AM today, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He showed us how to live out the Gospel's values with devotion, courage, and love, particularly for the poor and marginalized."

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was ordained as a priest in 1969. After the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI in 2013, Cardinal Bergoglio was elected his successor and took the papal name of Francis, in homage to Saint Francis of Assisi.