The conclave to choose the next pope begins in less than 24 hours.

The College of Cardinals has narrowed its list of potential candidates; and now the cardinals are asking people to pray for them as they make the decision that will ultimately chart the course of the church for the next decade or more.

The cardinals on the short list drew the biggest crowds as they celebrated mass Sunday at parishes in and around Rome.

Chicago’s Francis Cardinal George visited the Basilica of St. Bartholomew.