The cardinals met Tuesday in the Vatican's synod hall to chart the next steps before a conclave begins to choose Francis' successor.

The Vatican has released photos of Pope Francis in his open coffin, dressed in a red robe with the papal mitre on his head and a rosary in his hand. The pictures were taken in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, Francis's residence at the Vatican.

The papal conclave will be influenced by Pope Francis, whose picks to the College of Cardinals increased its geographic diversity.

The new pope will be selected through a process called the conclave, which consists of a vote by members of the College of Cardinals. Technically, any baptized Roman Catholic male can be elected pope,