The conclave process to elect the next pope is shrouded in secrecy. Here’s a visual guide to the ancient tradition.

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.

While any baptized Roman Catholic male is eligible, only cardinals have been selected as pope since 1378. The winner must receive at least two-thirds of the votes from those cardinals who are under age 80 and thus eligible to participate in the balloting.