The conclave to pick the next pope following the April 21 death of Pope Francis will begin on Wednesday, May 7, according to the Vatican.

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.