Rome, 29 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) — Two cardinals will be absent from the conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis, who died on April 21 after a month-long bout of pneumonia caused by an undisclosed pathogen. The cardinals will be absent "for health reasons," Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni told journalists Tuesday.

A total of 135 cardinals are eligible to vote in the conclave. After the cancellations, there are now only 133 who will vote from Wednesday next week.

Bruni did not name any names, but the emeritus archbishop of Valencia, Antonio Cañizares, 79, said a week ago that he would not be able to travel to Rome "for health reasons."

The emeritus archbishop of Sarajevo, Vinko Puljić, 79, had excused himself for the same reason. A few days after his cancellation, Puljić told the broadcaster Radio Medjugorje that his doctor had allowed him to travel despite his illness.

Earlier Tuesday, the Vatican announced details of the schedule for the May 7 start of the conclave, the eagerly anticipated secret election of a new pontiff following the death of pope Francis.

The cardinals will first gather at 10 am for a Mass known in Latin as "Pro Eligendo Romano Pontefice" (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff) in St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the announcement said.

At 4:15 pm, the cardinals eligible to vote will assemble in the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, from where they will process into the Sistine Chapel at 4:30 pm, it said.

The Vatican did not initially provide further details.

Traditionally, however, the cardinals must, after the solemn procession, swear an oath to observe the conclave's rules and maintain absolute secrecy about the election.

The master of the papal liturgical celebrations then calls out "Extra omnes" (Everyone out), instructing all non-electors to leave the chapel.

The process for the first ballot on the first day is already clear. The subsequent rhythm consists of two ballots in the morning and two in the afternoon.

For a new pope to be elected a two-thirds majority of the voting cardinals is required.

There is no time limit for the conclave.