After the abrupt exit of Pope Benedict XVI from being the leader of the Catholics, the Catholic Cardinals were faced with the huge challenge of electing another Pope. While over the past two weeks they had been deeply pondering the issue in the pre-conclave talks, the final days of the election have arrived. It is now time to put their thoughts to action, as the Conclave begins today where the cardinals would be shut inside the Sistine Chapel, isolated from the rest of the world, indefinitely until the next Pope is elected.

An Italian and a Brazilian cardinal,who both head powerful archdioceses,  stand top among the contenders for being the Pope.

Angelo Scola is currently in the lead according to Vatican inisders. This Milan's archbishop would need the support of 2/3rds of the total 115 participating cardinals.

From Sao Paolo's archdiocese, Brazilian cardinal Odilo Scherer is the man representing Latin America.

Masses in Rome on Sunday were filled with several people praying that the right person be chosen as the Pope to guide them all 1.2 billion Catholics of the world. This tradition of seeking the god's guidance for the right person as Pope has been in practice since several centuries.

US Cardinal Sean O'Malley prayed hoping the world would remain united in prayer. He said, "Let us pray that the Holy Spirit enables the Church to choose a new pope who will confirm us in our faith and make more visible the love of the Good Shepherd”.

(AW- Anil)