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

Pope Francis, formerly Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, was revealed today as the newly elected pope. We have the latest news and analysis on the first Jesuit and South American pope in the history of the church.

As the conclave begins, what’s at stake for the Catholic Church? We break down the process of electing a new pope.