Francis was elected as the 266th pope in March 2013, and his death now prompts the centuries-old tradition of choosing his successor on May 7. The strictly secretive voting process through which a new pope is chosen is known as papal conclave,

Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 means the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. Here's how cardinals elect the next pontiff at the conclave.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 76, announced Tuesday that he will not take place in the conclave to select the next pope following the death of Pope Francis.