The Roman Catholic Papacy is one of the oldest institutions in the world, second only to the Chrysanthemum Throne in Japan. Since its inception, there have been 266 popes, and a couple of anti-popes as well.

The pope is not only the head of a religion but also the leader of a sovereign, albeit small, state as well. The process of choosing a pope is unlike any other in the world.

Learn more about the selection process for picking a new pope on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices