A look from Rome at the Papal frontrunners; Ex NSW Liberal premier Barry O'Farrell on the election result

As the cardinals enter the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Francis, CLAIRE GIANGRAVE of the Religion News Service profiles the front-runners.

Why did the Coalition perform so poorly among multicultural voters, even though many communities are highly religious, socially conservative and committed to a small business ethic that aligns well with Liberal Party values? The Liberals’ most successful leader with ethnic voters, former NSW Premier BARRY O’FARRELL, who notched a stunning victory winning 65 percent of the vote in 2011, has some lessons for his party.

Back in Rome, ABC Religion specialist NOEL DEBIEN discusses the factors that will influence the cardinals as they choose a new pope.