Wednesday, May 7 marks the official start to the Catholic Church’s search for the 267th leader. 27 News met with a local spiritual leader to find out what they hope for in the next Pope. Father Leo Blasi at Seven Dolors Catholic Parish in Manhattan,

In the eyes of U.S. Catholics, the next pope is going to have big — if not red — shoes to fill. Most say the Church is in touch with the needs of Catholics, a view that's higher today than when Pope Francis (who famously wore simple black shoes) became pontiff in 2013.

The United States is the home country for 10 of the 133 cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope. That’s more than any nation except Italy, home to 17 of the electors who will gather Wednesday for the Vatican conclave to choose the successor to Pope Francis.

The United States is the home country of 10 of the 133 cardinals eligible to vote for the next pope of the Catholic Church

Cardinals from 70 countries have gathered at the Vatican to elect a new Pope in the most diverse conclave in history.