The College of Cardinals that will elect a new pope includes members from far-flung corners of the globe whom Francis named over his 12-year papacy to bring in new points of view — often at the

The Vatican announced Monday that the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor will begin on May 7, as the Church enters the final preparatory phase for choosing its 267th pope.

The conclave — where cardinals worldwide converge in Vatican City to elect a new pontiff, following Pope Francis' death — will begin May 7, per the Vatican