A seagull perched for a long time on the roof of the Sistine Chapel near the chimney became the "queen" of social media on Wednesday. On Wednesday afternoon, in the Apostolic Palace, a solemn procession of 133 cardinal electors began as they made their way to the Sistine Chapel,

The eyes of the world are on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. So far, the faithful have only seen black smoke and... a white seagull that perched on the temple's roof, unexpectedly becoming a favorite among internet users.

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.

This was among the shortest conclaves in recent decades. Here's a look at the long history of choosing a pope.