When Pope Pius IX took the throne in 1846, the Holy See had bilateral relations with 18 countries. That number climbed to 27 by 1929, a 50% increase in accredited ambassadors.

Holy See: The primary official term of reference for the Diocese of Rome, as the chief diocese of Catholic Christendom; used to refer to the pope and the Roman Curia.

It is customary for the conclave to be held 15 to 20 days after the pope's death, but until now the Holy See had not released the details of the gathering.

During that period, known as the “sede vacante,” or “empty See,” the camerlengo, or… How many cardinals are in a conclave and how does the voting work? Here's what you need to know.

The cardinals also pledge not to be swayed by external influences. Each cardinal then takes an oath in Latin, placing his hand on the Bible and says, “And I,” stating his name, “do so ...