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.

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.

Ahead of the papal conclave, which starts on May 7 to select the next head of the Roman Catholic Church, Cardinal of Baghdad Louis Raphael Sako said he hoped for a "short conclave". Both Pope Francis and Pope Benedict were elected in 2013 and 2005,