Conclave to select Pope Francis' successor will begin May 7

• The date was set Monday by about 180 cardinals, over 100 of whom are electors.
• The Sistine Chapel will remain closed to visitors during the conclave.

Zoom in: The conclave could have opened as early as May 5, but the cardinals planned extra time for discussions in informal sessions, AP reported.

• Cardinals over the age of 80 can participate in the informal discussions but won't be allowed into the Sistine Chapel once the conclave begins.

Driving the news: Pope Francis died on April 21 — Easter Monday — at the age of 88.

• He pushed the Catholic Church to the left with support for LGBTQ communities, immigration advocacy and action on climate change.
• He elevated 80% of the cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope.

What's next: When the conclave begins, electors will take an oath of absolute secrecy before casting ballots into an urn.

• One round of voting will be held on May 7, followed by four rounds daily until a successor is chosen.
• A two-thirds majority of electors present is required to elect a new pope. Voting has not exceeded five days in the past century.

Go deeper:

• Here's how the Catholic Church will choose a new pope
• Why Asia, Africa loom large in deciding next pope
• Pope Francis picked 80% of cardinals who'll elect his successor