Which cardinals are seen as contenders to be the next pope?

A number of Roman Catholic cardinals are possible contenders to become pontiff following the death of Pope Francis (Niall Carson/PA)

A popular saying in Vatican circles is that if you “enter a conclave as pope, you leave as a cardinal”.

It implies the sacred and secretive process is no popularity contest or campaign, but rather the divinely inspired election of Christ’s Vicar on Earth by the princes of the church.