For centuries, the head of the Roman Catholic Church has been chosen through what’s known as a papal conclave. The proceedings are cloaked in secrecy, making them the subject of speculation and intrigue.

One hundred and thirty-three cardinals are sequestering themselves behind the Vatican’s medieval walls for the start of a conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

As the conclave gets underway, eyes are searching for the billowing white smoke that signals Habemus Papam: “We have a pope.”