@msnbc: The day after the death, a group called the College of Cardinals gathers in what is known as the general congregation to discuss the plans for the pope’s funeral and the process of choosing a successor. All the church’s cardinals who can take part in the election council, which can trace its roots to 1059, will do so. The group must decide the date of the funeral. In 2005, John Paul II’s funeral was six days after his death, and the conclave to choose a successor met 10 days later. NBC News chief international correspondent Keir Simmons tells us how the new pope will be chosen. #news #pope #popefrancis