Leaders around the world have begun congratulating Robert Francis Prevost for being chosen to succeed Pope Francis.

The earliest clues suggest Leo could champion inclusion and openness to change — like his predecessor, Pope Francis.

Becoming pope was a big deal for a cardinal and his family. Leading candidates known as papabili (pope-ables) began strategising and negotiating even before a pontiff died.

As the Catholic Church prepares to elect its next spiritual leader, here’s a detailed look at the centuries-old ritual of the papal conclave, an event marked by history, secrecy, and sacred tradition.