Following the death of Pope Francis, the Catholic Church has chosen a date to elect its new leader, in a process virtually unchanged in 800 years.The system is known as the ‘Papal Conclave,’ and is a democratic process with a strong emphasis on working through multiple rounds of voting until a clear consensus emerges.

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.