This is done to prevent the ring from being misused.
Before the papal conclave starts choosing the next pope, it is destroyed in front of the College of Cardinals upon formal confirmation of the pope’s passing.
After the last pope’s death, the election process typically takes 15 to 20 days.
Camerlengo Cardinal Farrell made the following announcement of Pope Francis’ passing: “Dear brothers and sisters, I must announce with deep sorrow the death of our Holy Father Francis.”
Francis, the Bishop of Rome, arrived back at the Father’s house at 7:35 this morning.
