A conclave of cardinals from around the globe has gathered at the Vatican to select the next pope. Candidates from Africa and Latin America are noted as among the top contenders. "We are at a very important threshold. The first pope of African, Latin American or Asian descent is important for Christian unity throughout the world," said Terry Rey, associate professor of religion at Temple. "For an African to become pope, it would signal that Africa really matters. It's long overdue," he said.