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.

Cardinal Czerny was appointed by Pope Francis and is, like him, a Jesuit. Popular with progressives in the Church, he was considered close to Pope Francis. Although a strong candidate, it seems unlikely the cardinals would choose a second Jesuit pope in succession.