In the 13th century, it took almost three years — 1,006 days to be exact — to choose Pope Clement IV's successor, making it the longest conclave in the Catholic Church’s history.

In the 13th century, it took almost three years — 1,006 days to be exact — to choose Pope Clement IV's successor, making it the longest conclave in the Catholic Church’s history.

In the 13th century, it took almost three years — 1,006 days to be exact — to choose Pope Clement IV's successor, making it the longest conclave in the Catholic Church’s history.

He prayed with her beside him for an end to the modern-day plague, standing in an empty, rain-soaked St. Peter's Square. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) POPE POPE FRANCIS: (Speaking Italian).