The conclave will officially begin its selection process approximately 15 to 20 days after the pope's death, according to NBC News. The term conclave comes from the Latin phrase for “with key,” and dates back to 1274 when Pope Gregory X said electors should be locked away until a new pope has been chosen,

A new pope will be selected to lead the Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis. The pope is chosen during a highly secretive election called a conclave. Francis, 88, died on April 21. The pope will be honored with a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiale, a tradition that began in Ancient Rome.