There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile.” That means they possess the characteristics necessary to become pope.

Catholic cardinals on Monday set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, delaying the secret voting for two days so they can get to know one another better and find consensus on a candidate before they are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel.

With the funeral now over, attention has turned to the conclave, the confidential process through which a new pope will be chosen, which the Vatican has confirmed will begin on 7 May. Throughout history,