While a conclave is unique from U.S. presidential elections, people often consider pope prospects as Republicans or Democratics.

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.

After spending the majority of the year at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday from a stroke and irreversible heart failure. He was 88 years old. Francis' funeral is at 10 a.