An historic conclave to select the new pope begins today. One hundred and fifteen cardinal-electors will vote one by one to select the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. It's the first conclave in 600 years to take place while the previous pope is still living. What's the mood in Rome right now? Writer Tiffany Parks joins us live from St. Peter’s Square to explain the conclave process and which candidates have Rome buzzing.
Also this hour: What's it like to be a mortician? What should you know while planning your funeral? What happens in the embalming process? Where do certain death rituals come from? How does the body decay? Does a good embalming last forever? Mortician and writer Caitlin Doughty joins us to answer your scientific, morbid and practical questions concerning death, decay and the funeral home industry. Have a question? Write to weekday@kuow.org.