A successor to Pope Francis had been elected. But there will be a short wait before his identity becomes clear.

Black smoke appeared from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican on Thursday, signalling that cardinals meeting in a secret conclave did not elect a new pope during their two morning ballots.

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.

The papal conclave begins May 7. Here's how cardinals choose the next pope, what to expect and how secretive the process is.