A dozen names for pope have come up repeatedly as strong contenders. Here is a look at who they are.  Click here for a companion story from the Associated Press   (Photo: Getty Images)

Italian cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi arrives at the Paul VI hall for the opening of the Cardinals' Congregations. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

U.S. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York City speaks to members of the media before entering Our Lady of Guadalupe at Monte Mario where he is the titular head. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Cardinal Leonardo Sandri arrives at the Paul VI hall for the opening of the Cardinals' Congregations. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Archbishop of Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schonborn attends a meeting of prayer at St. Peter's Basilica on March 6, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio greets President Christina Fernandez de Kirchner in December, 2007. (Presidencia de la Nación Argentina)

Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley makes a blessing with incense as he leads a mass at Santa Maria Della Vittoria as he and the rest of the College of Cardinals prepare to gather this week and select a new pope. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Archbishop of Genova Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco arrives at the Paul VI hall for the opening of the Cardinals' Congregations. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle attends a meeting of prayer at St. Peter's Basilica.  (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana arrives at the Paul VI hall for the opening of the Cardinals' Congregations. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Archbishop of Budapest cardinal Peter Erdo arrives at the Paul VI hall for the opening of the Cardinals' Congregations.  (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet leaves after attending the final congregation before electing a new Pope.  (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Brasilian cardinal and Sao Paulo archbishop Odilo Pedro Scherer arrives at St. Andrea al Quirinale church to lead a Sunday service mass on March 10, 2013 in Rome, Italy.  (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Cardinal Angelo Scola arrives for the final congregation before cardinals enter the conclave to vote for a new pope. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)