Cardinals have no contact with the outside world after the master of liturgical ceremonies utters the words “Extra Omnes” the Latin phrase for “all out,” to ask all those present except the cardinal electors to leave the Sistine Chapel to begin the voting process.

For nearly 180 years, papal conclaves have chosen a new pope in three to five days. In centuries past, they've taken a lot longer.

The ancient process for selecting a new leader for the Catholic Church is shrouded in secrecy, but a look at the people who will be making the decision may offer some clues into how they'll vote.