With all the pomp, drama and solemnity that the Catholic Church can muster, 133 cardinals began the centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

With all the pomp, drama and solemnity that the Catholic Church can muster, 133 Catholic cardinals are beginning the secretive, centuries-old ritual to elect a new pope, opening the most geographicall

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.