A papal conclave, the election of a new pope, tends to begin 15-20 days after a papal vacancy. Black or white smoke indicates each day's decision.

With all eyes now on the Vatican, here's a look at the conclave and its role in electing the next head of the Catholic Church. Simply put, a conclave is the assembly of cardinals that elects a pope. The word itself comes from the Latin "com" and "clavis,