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.

Catholics wait for the sign of white smoke, as cardinals gather behind the Vatican’s closed doors to choose the next pope.

Catholic cardinals are returning to the Sistine Chapel on Thursday for a second day of voting to try and elect a new pope . The 133 cardinals are expected to vote again in the morning after spending the night sequestered at the Vatican residences.