There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile,” or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope. After St. John Paul II broke the centurieslong Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field of contenders has broadened considerably.

Monsignor Roger Landry encouraged Catholics to pray for the cardinals in a video message from St. Peter’s Square on Monday.

Some see the byword as a rallying call in a conservative campaign to reverse Francis’ push for a more inclusive church.