Pope Francis's death at the age of 88 means the Catholic Church must choose a new leader. Here's how cardinals elect the next pontiff at the conclave.

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.

New Pope Selection | Who is New Pope | New Pope Candidates | New Pope Election Process | Vatican | Pontiff Vatican prepares to choose next pope: The death of Pope Francis sets in motion a series of elaborate rites and rituals,