Simply put, a conclave is the assembly of cardinals that elects a pope. The word itself comes from the Latin "com" and "clavis," meaning "together" and "key," respectively – highlighting the absolute, behind-closed-doors secrecy with which the cardinals conduct their discussions and balloting.

Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 means the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. Here's how cardinals elect the next pontiff at the conclave.

Even though cardinals don’t campaign for the job, there are always front-runners going into a conclave to choose the next pope. These candidates are known as “papabile,” an unofficial Italian word that would translate literally as "popeable," or someone who has what are regarded to be the qualities to be pope.