Cardinals have no contact with the outside world after the master of liturgical ceremonies utters the words “Extra Omnes” the Latin phrase for “all out,” to ask all those present except the cardinal electors to leave the Sistine Chapel to begin the voting process.

VATICAN CITY (TNND) — Cardinals will start conclave on May 7 and begin the process of electing a new leader in the Catholic church, the Holy See Press Office announced Monday.

For nearly 180 years, papal conclaves have chosen a new pope in three to five days. In centuries past, they've taken a lot longer.

The death of Pope Francis this month at the age of 88 set off grief and mourning around the world — along with a complex process to find a successor. Francis’ successor will be selected at a conclave that will begin May 7,