Francis’ successor will be selected by cardinals at the conclave that begins 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 Catholic Church's cardinal electors are set to choose a successor to Pope Francis, with the 2025 papal conclave about to begin.

Roman Catholic cardinals will begin the task of electing a new pope, locking themselves away from the world until they choose the man they hope can unite a diverse but divided global Church.