(VATICAN CITY) -- Roman Catholic cardinals are scheduled to meet Monday in Rome to begin the process of selecting the next pontiff in the wake of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.

The meeting will not be the official conclave, but simply a gathering to discuss preparations for the election of the next pope.  The preparations include the installation of a stove in the Sistine Chapel where the cardinals will hold the conclave behind locked doors.  The stove will be used to burn the ballots, with the smoke communicating the election results.

Most Vatican observers say the new pontiff will more than likely be a European because half of the electors involved in the process are from Europe.

Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio