Rome, 28 April 2025 (dpa/MIA) - The cardinals of the Catholic Church who have already arrived in Rome will meet on Monday to discuss the election of a new pope.

This is the fifth so-called General Congregation since pope Francis' death on Easter Monday.

It is still unclear exactly how many cardinals will take part in the meeting, which is also known as the pre-conclave.

There has been lively speculation about the candidates and possible favourites for days.

The cardinals already met in the days before the funeral service and burial of Francis on Saturday.

So far, there is no date for the start of the conclave, which will take place behind closed doors in the Sistine Chapel. The earliest possible date would be May 5.

To become pope, a cardinal must receive two-thirds of the votes at the conclave. One ballot is held on the first day, followed by four on each successive day.

Once a new pope has been chosen, white smoke rises from a chimney installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel.

Photo: EPA