epa03619919 Cardinals attend the religious mass ‘Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice’ at Saint Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Vatican City, 12 March 2013. The Catholic Church’s 115 cardinal electors are taking part in a mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on 12 March ahead of entering the conclave for a papal election that observers say has no clear favourite. The Pro Eligendo Romano Pontefice (‘For the Election of the Roman Pontiff’) mass is presided by Angelo Sodano, the elderly dean of the College of Cardinals, and is also open to non-voting cardinals – those aged more than 80. The next pope will take over a Church beset by infighting, scandal and dwindling support, particularly in the West. EPA/MICHAEL KAPPELER