A papal conclave is set to begin in Vatican City starting May 7, during which cardinals from around the world will elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic church. The tradition occurs any time a pope dies or resigns from the office. Pope Francis died April 21, the day after Easter.

ABC News contributor Father James Martin discusses the characteristics that cardinals might be looking for in the next pope.

The papal conclave—the election of the next Pope—is set to begin on May 7, and will see 133 cardinals gather to vote.

On a balmy night outside Manila’s Baclaran church, Gerald Concepcion, 32, and his fellow devotees were decorating a float of the Virgin Mary with fragrant lilies and pink carnations.

Sunday marked the end of the official nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis. Chicago-area Catholics spoke about his legacy and their hopes for a new pope as the papal conclave is set to begin this week.

One of the pontiff's final requests before he died, the mobile health clinic also serves as a symbol of his long-held dedication to the Palestinian people.