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.

Cardinals are meeting in a secret, sacred conclave for a second day as they seek a new pontiff to follow Pope Francis

There is no formal time limit: until two-thirds of the 133 voting cardinals agree on a new pope, the cardinals must continue to vote. Past papal selections have lasted from just a few hours to nearly three years.

American cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the choice to replace Pope Francis. Bells at St. Peter's Basilica rang and crowds cheered as the white smoke billowed from the chimney. The new leader of the Catholic Church was chosen amid the third round of conclave voting.