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.

The first thing the new pope will do is choose a name. In the history of the papacy, the most commonly used name has been John, first chosen in 523 by Saint John I, the Vatican says. The last pope to choose that name was Italian Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, elected Pope John XXIII, in 1958. Roncalli was proclaimed a saint by Pope Francis in 2014.

With the passing of Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church is preparing to choose its next spiritual leader, a decision that could shape the future of over a billion followers worldwide. As the world turns its eyes to the smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel,

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

A papal conclave is set to begin in Vatican City starting May 7, during which cardinals from around the world will elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic church. The tradition occurs any time a pope dies or resigns from the office. Pope Francis died April 21, the day after Easter.

The conclave to select the next pope has begun after Catholic cardinals from across the world filed into the Sistine Chapel Wednesday before sealing themselves inside.

The faithful gathered for Sunday Mass for the first time since Chicago native Robert Prevost was selected as the next pontiff. His election marks a meaningful new chapter for the church nationwide. Pope Leo XIV delivered his first homily in English Friday at the Sistine Chapel,

Already, “Conclave” appears to be the most relevant movie of the year, whether by coincidence or providence. The inner workings of Vatican affairs now have a spotlight unlike we’ve ever seen in pop culture, giving “life imitates art” a whole new meaning.