When the cardinals meet for the conclave, they gather in the Sistine Chapel. All cardinal electors must swear an oath of secrecy and vote by secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is needed to elect a new pope, and campaigning is part of the process, though it should not appear so.

The popemobile procession through Vatican City and Rome take place before Pope Francis is buried in the Santa Maria Maggiore.

A papal conclave, the election of a new pope, tends to begin 15-20 days after a papal vacancy. Black or white smoke indicates each day's decision.