Now, just over 24 hours since the conclave began, a successor to Pope Francis has been chosen by the College of Cardinals.

Before a new pope can be declared, they must secure a two-thirds majority vote during the conclave, which includes 133 cardinals from around the world submitting their choice anonymously.

During this sacred process, the cardinals stay at the Casa de Santa Marta, a modest five-story residence near St Peter’s Basilica, where they are completely cut off from the outside world.

In line with tradition, they are prohibited from using phones or reading newspapers, to ensure their decisions remain uninfluenced by external news and events.

The voting takes place up to four times daily until a final choice is made—though no one can ever predict how long the process will take.

This time, however, the election moved quickly, with Church officials reaching a decision by the second day.

Once a candidate accepts the role, as Prevost has, the official announcement is made from the balcony of the church with the words, “Habemus papam”—Latin for “We have a Pope.”