The frontrunners hotly tipped to replace Pope Francis as cardinals prepare for conclave

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, from the Philippines:  Many cardinals may see an attraction in having a pope from Asia, viewed by Church leaders as an important region of growth for the faith. File picture

There are two frontrunners emerging to replace Pope Francis, with both men well known to the cardinals who will gather in conclave from Wednesday to choose a successor.

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Italian Pietro Parolin are hotly tipped in betting markets around the world.