Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has chosen a date to elect its new leader, in a process virtually unchanged in 800 years.The system is known as the ‘Papal Conclave,’ and is a democratic process with a strong emphasis on working through multiple rounds of voting until a clear consensus emerges.

The conclave to pick the next pope following the April 21 death of Pope Francis will begin on Wednesday, May 7, according to the Vatican.