Pope Francis has died, and the world now turns its eyes to the smoke above the Sistine Chapel.

In this episode of Dave Does History, Dave Bowman joins Bill Mick to break down the ancient—and often misunderstood—process of the papal conclave.

From medieval roof removals to modern-day power plays, Dave explores the rituals, rules, and raw politics of picking the next pope. Was it always this secretive? (Yes.) Was it always this messy? (Also yes.)

Tune in for history, humor, and maybe a few holy surprises. It’s “Game of Thrones,” but with incense and Latin.