Sioux City Bishop explains process of the papal conclave, - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

The excitement and anticipation is growing in Rome. On the eve of the papal conclave, 115 Roman Catholic cardinals are about to be locked in the Sistine Chapel, away from the outside world as they choose the next leader of their faith.

Observers say there is no clear front runner right now, which means it will likely be a difficult decision.

The conclave hasn't gone for more than four days since 1831.

Bishop R. Walker Nickless of the Sioux City Diocese, shared some insight with KTIV's Kristie VerMulm about how the process works.

He says the cardinals come together to have a meeting called a conclave, which means "with a key."

Before the enter the Sistine Chapel, Bishop Nickless says the cardinals have several meetings ahead of time, to get to know each other and talk over the issues they believe the next Pope will need to address.

He said, "When they walk in they really don't talk that much. They're praying and its quiet. They've already talked so they're given instruction as to what will happen. They take an oath and then they're given a sheet of paper and they write their name at the top and the Pope candidate they want at the bottom."

A candidate needs 77 votes to become Pope. That's a two-thirds majority, plus one.