Papal conclave to select a new pope begins today

The Catholic Church will soon begin the highly choreographed process of choosing its new leader following the death last month of Pope Francis.

It’s a secretive gathering known as “the conclave.”

Today’s events began with the “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice” mass, which means “for the election of the Roman Pontiff.”

After a break, the cardinals will head to the Sistine Chapel, which will be under lockdown for the conclave. Even cell signal around the chapel will be blocked.

This afternoon, the 133 voting cardinals will cast their ballots for the next pontiff.

If a cardinal receives more than two-thirds of the vote, we will have a new pope.

If not one does, voting will resume Thursday, when as many as four rounds of voting can occur.