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.

May 7, a conclave will begin in the Vatican. This is a special gathering of cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church who are to elect a new Pope, who will become the successor of the deceased Francis, according to The Guardian.