br As the Vatican’s historic conclave begins, 133 cardinals from 70 nations have assembled under the gaze of the Sistine Chapel to elect the next pope — a decision that will shape the future of the Catholic Church and its 1.3 billion followers worldwide. With candidates from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas in the spotlight, this is the most international—and most closely watched—papal election in modern history. From reformers to traditionalists, meet the frontrunners vying to inherit the Throne of St. Peter.