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.

Two cardinals, Michael Czerny and Chibly Langlois, sat down with ABC News to discuss the challenges facing the church that the new pope will have to face.

All of the 133 cardinals expected to take part in the secret conclave to elect a new pope have arrived in Rome, the Vatican said on Monday, with the race to succeed Pope Francis seen as wide open.

Should the Catholic Church welcome gay families? Should it welcome women at the altar? As 133 cardinals prepare for the 2025 conclave, they will decide.

Cooks and cleaners as well as maintenance and medical staff joined members of the Vatican's clergy on Monday (May 5) to take an oath of secrecy ahead of the upcoming papal conclave. Could cells grow food for astronauts on long missions in space?