Conclave,” the film may have introduced movie-goers to the spectacular ritual and drama of a modern conclave, but the periodic voting to elect a new pope has been going on for centuries and created a whole genre of historical trivia.

The papal conclave will commence in May, when the cardinals will meet at St. Peter's Basilica and pray for the wisdom to select the next pope.

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.