The 133 cardinals eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave to elect a new pope on Monday arrived in Rome, Italy, according to the Vatican.
The conclave is scheduled to begin on May 7, following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday and his funeral, which was held on April 26.
The Cardinals known as ‘Princes of the Church’ — those under the age of 80, excluding two who are absent for health reasons — arrived from 70 countries across five continents.
They will be obligated to cast their votes once on the first day and up to four times daily until a candidate secures the required two-thirds majority.
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During the conclave, the cardinals will reside at the Santa Marta guesthouse, completely cut off from all external communications.
Updates on the voting process will be signalled through smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney—black indicating no decision and white announcing the election of a new pope.
On Friday, the Vatican’s fire brigade was seen atop the Sistine Chapel’s roof installing the chimney that will announce the election of a new pope.
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Technicians were seen on Monday installing the red curtains on the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, where the new pontiff will make his first appearance.
