Conclave Begins at the Vatican

The process to determine the successor to Pope Francis gets underway today, as Catholic Church leaders gather in the Sistine Chapel to begin the secretive and centuries-old tradition known as a conclave. 

Ballots will be cast by a group of cardinals, the second-highest rank in the church hierarchy (see 101). While there are 252 cardinals, only those under 80 years old are eligible to vote, with a two-thirds majority required for a candidate to be selected. 

Observers say the election will be a referendum on whether to continue the reforms set in motion by Pope Francis—regarded as a relatively liberal church leader—or return to more conservative roots. Of the 133 voting cardinals, 108 were appointed by Pope Francis during his tenure. While no clear frontrunner has emerged, some top candidates include Cardinals Pietro Parolin (Italy) and Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines). 

Voting continues until a successor is chosen, with white smoke from the chapel's chimney indicating a decision has been made. Read about some of the myths and scandals surrounding conclaves here.