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.

Who will be the next pope? 133 cardinals have started the secretive, centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Travellers to Rome should expect closures, visitor restrictions and crowds at some of the city’s main attractions. View on euronews