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.

The conclave is made up of the College of Cardinals, a group who assists with central Church affairs. It consists of 135 electors, 108 of whom were appointed by Francis during his papal tenure, who will decide on the new pope shortly after the Novemdiales period is over.

Following the death or abdication of a pope, the Catholic Church's College of Cardinals meets at the Vatican to choose a new pope at a papal conclave.