Papal Conclave begins: Here's what you need to know

Pope Francis died earlier this year, setting in motion a Catholic tradition that dates back to medieval times. Today, the Papal conclave has begun, gathering 133 cardinals in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican as they begin their vote for the next head of the institution. 

Here's what you need to know:

Cardinals, bishops, nuns, and more gather in St. Peter's Basilica

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Earlier today, a mass was held to kick off the conclave. Cardinals and bishops wore their regalia, with the former wearing red and the latter wearing purple. "We are here to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit," said the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, per NPR. 

"So that the pope elected may be he whom the church and humanity need at this difficult and complex turning point in history."

When is the conclave starting?

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The conclave began today, at 4:30 PM, Rome local time. While the process is shrouded in secrecy, cardinals make their votes and deliver sermons in the stunning Sistine Chapel. They will remain sequestered in Vatican City until they elect a new Pope, limiting communications with the outside world in order to avoid disruptions or any form of swaying. 

Before beginning, cardinals sign an oath of secrecy. If broken, this vow can result in excommunication from the church. 

How does the voting work?

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There will be one ballot today. Afterward, there can be as many as four votes a day, reports Reuters. 

The outlet reports that no Pope has been elected on the first day of a conclave in centuries. In order for a candidate to be elected, they must win two-thirds of the majority.

How does the smoke work? 

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Cardinals will keep to themselves as much as they can, communicating the results of the election with the world through the smoke from the chimney atop the chapel, which comes from the burning of the ballots. 

Black smoke represents an inconclusive vote, while white smoke and the sound of the church's bells ringing represent that the Church has elected a new leader. 

Who are the favorites?

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Over the past weeks, journalists have spoken with different Cardinals in order to gauge some of the favorites for the next Pope. 

For the time being, there appear to be no clear favorites, but a few names are considered the front runners, including Cardianl Pietro Parolin, from Italy, and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, from the Philippines. You can read more about the candidates here.