The ideological center of the wealthiest, most powerful country would appear to justify a cardinal. What factors are at play?

The conclave was called after Francis died on April 21 at age 88. There was a delay between his death and the conclave to allow time for a funeral, burial and a period of mourning. It was also necessary to give cardinals time to arrive in Rome from all corners of the Earth,

The papal conclave begins May 7. Here's how cardinals choose the next pope, what to expect and how secretive the process is.