There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile,” or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After St. John Paul II broke the centurieslong Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field of contenders has broadened considerably.

Catholic cardinals on Monday set May 7 as the start date for the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, delaying the secret voting for two days so they can get to know one another better and find consensus on a candidate before they are sequestered in the Sistine Chapel.

With the funeral now over, attention has turned to the conclave, the confidential process through which a new pope will be chosen, which the Vatican has confirmed will begin on 7 May. Throughout history,

Greg Burke, a former spokesperson for Pope Francis, joins 'MediaBuzz' from the Vatican to discuss his experience working for him and how he redefined the relationship with the media.

U.S. President Donald Trump joked on Tuesday that hed like to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away last week at the age of 88. When asked who he would prefer as the next leader of the Catholic Church,