Process to elect next pope begins with start of papal conclave

The secretive selection process to elect the next Roman Catholic Church pope, known as the papel conclave, began Wednesday in Vatican City. 

 The process involves 133 cardinals from around the world coming to Rome to vote in the conclave. 

The number marks the most electors ever, with 108 of them appointed by Pope Francis, who died April 21, at age 88, of a stroke amid efforts to recover from a lengthy respiratory illness. All cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to participate in the election process, according to ABC News.