LA MOTTE, Que. — The tiny hometown of Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet is besieged by dozens of journalists — creating a local population jump of almost 10 per cent overnight.

The papal contender's northwestern Quebec village of 439 people now has around 40 news workers within its borders as the conclave to choose a new pope is underway in Rome.

Two dozen vehicles — including five news satellite trucks — are parked outside La Motte's old church.

Ouellet was baptized and ordained as a priest in the building — which is now primarily a community centre due to declining church attendance in the area.

The conclave to elect the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church began today, with Ouellet among those in the running to be the new pontiff.

The co-owner of the only business in La Motte says many of her customers are steering clear of her general store to avoid the journalists.