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 Catholic pope began checking into two Vatican hotels on Tuesday, where they will be barred from contact with the outside world as they decide who should succeed Pope Francis.

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