The world's Catholic cardinals met on Monday for the first time after the funeral of Pope Francis to discuss a possible date to enter a secret conclave and elect the next leader of the global Church.

Cardinals are already meeting ahead of the formal conclave, where they will confront major issues facing the Catholic Church as they select the next pope.

Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 means the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. Here's how cardinals elect the next pontiff at the conclave.

As thousands of people gather in Rome to remember the life of Pope Francis at a funeral in St. Peter’s Square, Fr. John Bartunek joins Saturday TODAY to reflect on the legacy Pope Francis left on the Catholic Church and what the next steps will be for selecting the next pope.

Some people said the pope's compassion inspired them. Others said he was too liberal or that no pope would affect how they think about their Catholicism.

Pope Francis died Monday at the age of 88. As tributes pour in from around the world, the Vatican faces a transition.