Catholic Church's direction in the balance as conclave looms

All 133 Catholic cardinals will enter a sealed conclave on Wednesday to choose a new pope, with the Church's 1.4 billion members holding their breath over an uncertain outcome.

- 

The 133 so-called "Princes of the Church" will meet to elect from among their number a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 aged 88.

At issue is whether the new pontiff will follow the popular Argentine's progressive line, or will the Holy See pivot to a more conservative traditionalist? Francis ran the Church for 12 years and appointed 80% of the cardinal electors.

Hailing from five continents and with around 70 countries represented, the group is the largest and the most international ever.

Some experts say the progressive camp will have the edge, seeking a pope that will follow in Francis's footsteps and energise his supporters.