Barron’s
The death of a pope usually sets in motion time-honoured traditions, but with ex-pontiff Benedict XVI in failing health the Vatican is on unfamiliar ground.
The 95-year-old Joseph Ratzinger, who was revealed this week to be seriously ill, in 2013 became the first pontiff to quit in six centuries.
Unlike when previous popes have died, there would be no need to call a conclave to elect a new pontiff, as Pope Francis — chosen to succeed Benedict in 2013 — remains very much in post.
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