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.

In this case, it took only two days for Catholic cardinals to elect a successor to Pope Francis. That’s among the shortest conclaves in recent decades, but not the shortest ever.

There is no formal time limit: until two-thirds of the 133 voting cardinals agree on a new pope, the cardinals must continue to vote. Past papal selections have lasted from just a few hours to nearly three years.

A top cardinal announces a new pope has been elected, uttering the words “Habemus papam!” Latin for “We have a pope!” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica. The new pope is expected to make his first public appearance and impart a blessing.