University of Texas expert on the pope and politics as the papal conclave begins

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Catholics across the world -- along with religious scholars and global leaders -- are watching the Vatican, as cardinals gather to select a new leader of the Catholic Church. The conclave began Wednesday, where a group of 133 Cardinals secluded themselves to begin voting.Professor Eric McDaniel teaches in the Department of Government at the University of Texas at Austin and also researches how religion influences American politics. He talked to KXAN's Avery Travis and Will DuPre