The conclave consists of Cardinals from around the world gathering together at the Sistine Chapel for a closed-door meeting to decide the next leader of the Catholic church.

The papal conclave is private election held behind closed doors of Vatican City's Sistine Chapel, where 135 cardinals vote on who will serve as the next the head of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican Museums, which includes the Sistine Chapel, has been closed to the public as Vatican City prepares for the ...

Cardinals have no contact with the outside world after the master of liturgical ceremonies utters the words “Extra Omnes” the ...

Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Tagle are considered top contenders, according to The Associated Press. Parolin, who served as Pope Francis' Secretary of State, is ...

The papal conclave will commence in May, when the cardinals will meet at St. Peter's Basilica and pray for the wisdom to select the next pope.

Ballots are burned in the process, but the smoke seen by the world is created using another stove, the Vatican Information ...

One by one, placing a right hand on the Book of Gospels, staff driving, cooking, cleaning and caring for the cardinals who ...

The Sistine Chapel has closed to the public so it can be prepared for the conclave, a gathering of cardinals who will elect ...

From the majestic art to the white smoke, here's what to know about the Sistine Chapel, the sacred site of the conclave.

The 135 cardinals eligible to elect the next pope will enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave May 7, the Vatican ...