The conclave is a time-honored process conducted in secrecy behind the locked doors of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel.

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.

With the funeral of Pope Francis concluded, preparations are under way for the beginning of the Papal Conclave, which will see the eligible members of the College of Cardinals enter isolation and vote on who becomes the new pope.