“[The conclave] is for the holy spirit to truly, truly choose the pope that is going to guide us in Christ, and continue to do some of the work as well that Pope Francis did,” said Maria Lopez.

Conclave: How the election of a new Pope has changed over the centuries - ANALYSIS: The ceremony has traditionally been a time of threatening, cajoling and strategising, writes Colin Rose ...

ANALYSIS: The late Pontiff famously encouraged Catholics to ‘make a mess’ to bring fresh energy and ideas to the Church. The shake-ups that ensued will now influence how his successor is chosen.

However, this is the first time a conclave has gone over the 120 mark, and not just by a couple. Of the 252 current cardinals, 135 are under 80 and eligible to vote, though Antonio Cañizares of ...

The Vatican’s cardinals gather in conclave today to begin electing the successor to the late Pope Francis—which means the world’s attention is on a chimney attached to the Sistine Chapel.

On the first day of the conclave, cardinals will cast one vote. If a pope isn't chosen, they will begin again the next day and cast up to four votes each day until a new pope is chosen.

After a ceremony within the Sistine Chapel is held to mark the beginning of the conclave, the doors are locked, Bry Jensen, host of the long-running Pontifacts podcast, told NPR.

After the Pope passes, the conclave begins. Bishop J. Mark Spalding from Catholic Diocese of Nashville answers those questions and gives insight to how Catholics in Nashville are reacting.