By VANESSA GERA, Associated Press

VATICAN CITY (AP) — One hundred and thirty-three cardinals are sequestering themselves behind the Vatican’s medieval walls for the start of a conclave starting Wednesday to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Here are some things to know about the election of the 267th pontiff of the Catholic Church, which has 1.4 billion faithful across the world.

Why is the conclave being held now?

The conclave was called after Francis died on April 21 at age 88. There was a delay between his death and the conclave to allow time for a funeral, burial and a period of mourning. It was also necessary to give cardinals time to arrive in Rome from all corners of the Earth, and to let them get acquainted before entering the conclave, an ancient ritual steeped in mystery and ritual.

What happens in a conclave?

The cardinals are cut off from the world at the Vatican, between residences and the Sistine Chapel, where they vote in secret — and in silence — beneath Michelangelo’s famed ceiling fresco of the Creation and his monumental “Last Judgment.”

In this image made available on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 by Vatican Media, Vatican Master of Ceremonies Archbishop Diego Giovanni Ravelli takes the oath of secrecy for all those assigned to the conclave during a ceremony in the Pauline Chapel at the Vatican, Monday, May 5, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP)

The process — fictionalized in the 2024 political thriller “Conclave” — is said to be guided by the Holy Spirit, and is designed to be both contemplative and free from outside interference.

Taking no chances, the Vatican is asking cardinals to hand over their phones for the duration of the conclave and is deactivating cell phone coverage at the Vatican. It also plans to use signal jammers around the Sistine Chapel and the Domus Santa Marta hotel and adjacent residence where the cardinals will sleep, in order to prevent surveillance and communication with the outside world.

White or black smoke signals?

The electors cast paper ballots, and voting continues until one candidate receives a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes. After two rounds of voting, ballots are burned in a special stove — black smoke signals no decision, while white smoke means a new pope has been chosen.

The Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather to elect the new pope, is seen Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP)

Electors must be under 80 years old, and are more geographically diverse than ever. They represent Catholicism’s growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as its traditional power base in Europe.

How long does it take?

The longest conclave in history lasted nearly three years, but it’s reasonable to assume that this conclave will be much, much shorter.

Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti arrives at the Vatican, Monday, May 5, 2025, to attend the General Congregation of cardinals in the New Synod Hall where they are preparing for the upcoming conclave starting on May 7, to elect the 267th Roman pontiff. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Cardinals this week said they expect a short conclave, though it will likely take at least a few rounds of voting. The conclave opens late afternoon Wednesday. Cardinals are expected to hold the first round of voting on Wednesday, but there is no requirement that they do so.

For most of the past century, it has taken between three and eight ballots to find a pope. John Paul I — the pope who reigned for 33 days — was elected on the third ballot in 1978. His successor, St. John Paul II, needed eight. Francis was elected on the fifth in 2013.

Who are the contenders?

There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile,” or possessing the characteristics necessary to become pope.

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After John Paul II broke the Italian hold on the papacy in 1978, the field has broadened considerably, such that cardinals from far-flung countries are now seen as contenders. The past three popes have hailed from Poland (John Paul II), Germany (Benedict XVI) and Argentina (Francis).

Of the 133 cardinals expected to vote at the conclave, 108 were appointed by Francis. They may feel a loyalty to continuing his legacy — even though the late pontiff didn’t choose cardinals based on ideology, but rather for their pastoral priorities and geographical diversity.

Beyond that, the cardinals will consider practical matters, like age. Picking a relatively young man — say in his 60s — could result in a papacy of 20 years or longer.

Picking a pope from where the church is growing – Asia or Africa – could bring more upheaval to the Vatican’s Italian-heavy bureaucracy that is still smarting from the Argentine pope’s go-it-alone style.

What happens after a new pope is chosen?

Once a candidate receives the necessary votes and accepts, he chooses a papal name and enters the “Room of Tears” — named for the emotional weight of the responsibility ahead — to don his papal vestments.

Papal vestments of three different sizes hang in the Room of the Tears, a chamber next to the Sistine Chapel where the new pope dresses before appearing on the balcony, at the Vatican, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP)

Minutes later, he is introduced to the world from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with the proclamation in Latin: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I bring you tidings of great joy: We have a pope!”)

That will be immediately followed by the revelation of his baptismal name, in Latin, followed by the papal name he has chosen.

A line that stretches back to St. Peter and Jesus

Every new pope is seen as a successor to St. Peter, the apostle believed by Catholics to have been appointed by Jesus as the head of the church. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus tells him, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church,” a verse that forms the biblical basis for the papacy.

A Vatican employee annuls the papal seal on the pope’s seal, at the Vatican, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (Vatican Media via AP)

According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted. He was said to be crucified upside down at his own request, considering himself unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.

St. Peter’s Basilica now stands over what is believed to be his tomb.

Why does the pope matter beyond the Catholic Church?

Though the pope leads a religious institution, his influence extends far beyond it. Pope John Paul II played a pivotal role in supporting the Solidarity movement in his native Poland and encouraging resistance to Soviet domination in Eastern Europe. His moral leadership was credited by many with helping to hasten the end of the Cold War.

The intelligence-generated image of President Donald Trump dressed as pope fills the front-page of an Italian newspaper in Rome, Sunday, May 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, became a prominent voice on global issues from climate change to migration and economic inequality. He called for compassion toward refugees, warned against the dangers of nationalism, and urged action to protect the planet — stances that resonated well beyond church walls, and at times put him at odds with political leaders.

A name to signal a papal direction

The first sign of the new pope’s priorities will come in the name he chooses.

A Francis II might signal a new pope’s embrace of Francis’ legacy of prioritizing the poor and marginalized; a Pius would hint at a traditionalist restoration.

From John Paul to Benedict to Francis, each name has carried historical weight and theological intent. For the 267th pope, it will be his first message to the world.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

St. Paul’s graduation rate went up in 2024, bringing it to pre-pandemic levels, while the state overall notched its highest rate.

Graduation rates went up among multiple student demographics in 2024, with 84.2% of Minnesota high school seniors graduating in four years, according to the state Department of Education.

The percentage of students graduating in four years in St. Paul was 76.5%, compared to 68.4% in 2023 and 76.3% in 2019. The increase follows three consecutive years of declines in the district’s four-year graduation rate. The year 2024’s graduating class began 9th grade in distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Paul’s graduation rate in 2023 did not include all summer graduates due to a technical error, officials said at the time. With those graduates included, the district’s graduation rate in 2023 was closer to 73.4%, according to the district.

Despite several districts reporting technical errors impacting their graduation data last year, state officials said graduation rates still increased in 2024, even when accounting for those differences.

John Thein, interim school superintendent for St. Paul Public Schools.

“I am proud of our 2024 graduates and of our teachers, principals and many other staff who have worked diligently to support students in reaching this important milestone,” said SPPS Interim Superintendent John Thein in a statement. “To see the district’s graduation rate return to 2019 levels, and to increase significantly for many student groups, is a testament to the high-quality education that students and families should expect from Saint Paul Public Schools.”

Other metro districts

Meanwhile, Minneapolis Public Schools saw its four-year graduation rate go up from 67.8% to 73.8%, or six percentage points. The district had a graduation rate of 76.7% in 2022.

However, Minneapolis school officials last year put its graduation rate drop from 2022 to 2023 at a smaller number due to what officials said was a technical error that excluded summer graduations in 2023.

In the Anoka-Hennepin School District, the state’s largest district with more than 38,000 students, the graduation rate decreased slightly from the previous year, going from 86.7% to 85.6%.

The graduation rate for Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Schools – typically the state’s fourth-largest district with around 29,000 students – continued to increase, going from 87.7% in 2023 to 88.13% in 2024.

Statewide rates

Statewide in 2024, Minnesota had its highest graduation rate with a total of 59,720 students receiving diplomas. The graduation rate in 2023 was 83.3%, a slight drop from 2022.

Willie Jett II, Minnesota commissioner of education

“The students of the Class of 2024 worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve this milestone,” said state Education Commissioner Willie Jett in a statement. “I am thrilled to see the success of many of our student groups — especially those most at risk — and a closing of the achievement gap as we work to make sure every student, of every background, zip code and ability has access to a world-class education. I am also grateful for the educators, families and communities who stood behind these graduates and supported their needs and encouraged their successes.”

Graduation rates went up across multiple demographics, including among students who are American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino and white. Rates also increased for English learners, students from low-income families and students receiving special-education services.

The largest gains were among English learners with a graduation rate of 67.25%, or an increase of 3.9%, compared to last year; and Asian students with a graduation rate of 88.05%, or an increase of 2.7%, compared to last year.

“These successes, in part, are possible because of long-standing partnerships between school communities, the Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Education. Support for Minnesota’s most vulnerable student groups are at risk as changes in the federal education landscape uproots supports that are designed to ensure equal education access for all students,” Jett said Tuesday.

Despite changes at the federal level, including President Donald Trump’s order to eliminate the U.S. Education Department, the state Department of Education will continue its work, Jett said.

“Our most vulnerable students are on the right track,” Jett said. “So now is not the time to interrupt all the important work being done to close achievement gaps. And so to Minnesota families, students and educators, I want to say clearly that the department of education here in Minnesota, we’re still here and we’re not going anywhere.”

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The St. Paul Saints put away the Buffalo Bisons 6-2 on Tuesday night at CHS Field.

St. Paul took the lead in the first inning, and though Buffalo tied them in the sixth inning briefly, St. Paul’s three runs in the eighth inning sealed the deal.

Carson McCusker had two home runs, and Mickey Gasper got two hits and one homer.

The Saints’ David Festa allowed one earned run on three hits over 5.2 innings.

Travis Adams (2-1) got the win, allowing three hits but no runs over 2.1 innings, and Jacob Bosiokovic finished the last inning for the Saints, allowing one earned run on two hits.

The Chicago Sky beat the Lynx 74-69 in their first exhibition game of the WNBA season on Tuesday night at Wintrust Arena in Chicago.

Minnesota slightly outscored the Chicago team in the second and third quarters, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Sky’s strong first and final efforts.

Alanna Smith was the Lynx’s top scorer with 10 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and a steal. Alissa Pili proved a good add from the bench, shooting 100% and making three three-pointers.

The Lynx’s exhibition season continues with another game against the Sky, this time at home, on Saturday at the Target Center.