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.

The College of Cardinals began meeting Wednesday to vote in a papal conclave -- a secret ballot where two-thirds majority is required for the election of a new pontiff. After each round of submissions,