While the cardinals are known to wear their scarlet red attire, some individuals involved in conclave proceedings were seen in black and purple vestments. Colors often represent the different ranks of the Catholic Church. The pope is usually dressed in white, while cardinals are dressed in scarlet robes.

As cardinals prepare for the largest papal conclave in history, battle lines are being drawn over the direction of the church.

White smoke will soon rise again from the Sistine Chapel chimney, signaling a new era of leadership in the Catholic Church — but first, there must be prayers, meetings and a highly secretive conclave.