Former San Diego bishop will help pick next pope

• The conclave typically draws the attention of those in and out of the faith community and marks a new era of leadership for the church.

Driving the news: Francis died on April 21 at 88, weeks after he was released from an extended hospital stay and bout with pneumonia.

• The individual chosen to replace him will be the 267th pope.

Zoom in: McElroy is one of 10 U.S. cardinals among the 135 electors who will vote on the new leader of the church.

• He became a cardinal in 2022 and Francis tapped him as Archbishop of Washington, D.C. in January, after leading the San Diego diocese since 2015.
• McElroy and Francis had closely aligned progressive views, particularly supporting migrants, women and LGBTQ people in the church.

What's next: The local diocese asked all parishes to hold a Memorial Mass on Wednesday to unite in prayer for the repose of the soul of the pope. The times will vary by parish.

What we're watching: The conclave will begin May 7, the Vatican announced Monday.