With no official campaign nor list of candidates and an election process shrouded in secrecy, speculation about who will succeed Pope Francis after the conclave beginning Wednesday is just that -- speculation.
But here are 15 cardinals among the potential favourites to succeed Pope Francis -- so-called "papabili" -- divided by region.
Europe Pietro Parolin (Italy), Francis's number two at the Vatican Parolin, 70, was secretary of state -- the Vatican's effective number two -- during almost all of Francis's pontificate and its most visible exponent on the world stage.
Known for his calm and subtle sense of humour, the polyglot also has a fine grasp of the intricacies of the Roman Curia, the Holy See's central government, and was part of a group of cardinal advisers to Francis.
