WORLD Papal Conclave: Runners and Riders This article gives a brief overview of the leading candidates for pope. The 115 cardinals of the Catholic Church have begun their “papal conclave”—the mysterious meeting to elect one of their own as the new spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics around the world. Popes are not just spiritual leaders, however. They are major international diplomats who frequently meet … Continue reading Cardinals Set to Elect New Pope