Rome is abuzz with anticipation as 133 cardinal electors gather for one of the Catholic Church's most sacred and secretive traditions - the papal conclave.
With the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, the stage is now set for the election of a new pontiff, beginning Wednesday, May 7, inside the historic Sistine Chapel.
Every cardinal under the age of 80 has arrived in the Eternal City, prepared to take part in the confidential voting process that could span several days.
A two-thirds majority will be needed to choose the next leader of the world's 1.3 billion Catholics, with ballots cast behind closed doors under the gaze of Michelangelo's iconic ceiling.
