Francis’ successor will be selected by cardinals at the conclave that began on May 7. Cardinals, known as the “princes of the church,” rank just below the pope in the Roman Catholic Church; together, they are known as the College of Cardinals. When a pope dies, the college chooses a successor.

A group of 133 cardinals has not reached a decision in the first vote of the conclave after the process, which is shrouded in secrecy and ceremony, took longer than expected