The secret vote that elected Pope Gregory X lasted from November 1268 to September 1271. It was the first example of a papal election by “compromise,” after a long struggle between supporters of two main geopolitical medieval factions — those faithful to the papacy and those supporting the Holy Roman Empire.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at age 88. Here's a look inside the conclave process to select the next bishop of Rome.

The conclave process to elect the next pope is shrouded in secrecy. Here’s a visual guide to the ancient tradition.