When the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday at the start of conclave, the process of electing a new pope, they will be sealed off from the world.

A papal conclave blends the political and the spiritual, cardinals and theologians say. Here, in Catholic belief, is how the Holy Spirit fits in.

Cardinals will begin the crucial process of electing a new Pope. Join us as we explore the intricacies of the papal election and the frontrunners in this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, live from Rome with Scripps News Correspondent Joe St.

Cardinals who will take part in the secret conclave to elect a new pope began checking into two Vatican hotels.

Cardinals electing a new pope have some fundamental questions to weigh, beyond whether to give the Catholic Church its first Asian or African pope.

Ahead of the conclave to elect the next Pope, cardinals take centre stage. Called the Princes of the Church, they are at the top of the hierarchy after the pontiff. Currently, there are 252 cardinals,