There are currently 135 cardinals who are under age 80 and eligible to vote in the conclave, hailing from 71 different countries in the most geographically diverse conclave in history. Already two have formally told the Holy See that they cannot attend for health reasons, bringing the number of men who will enter the Sistine Chapel down to 133.

All of the 133 cardinals expected to take part in the secret conclave to elect a new pope have arrived in Rome, the Vatican said on Monday, with the race to succeed Pope Francis seen as wide open.

The countdown is on to the start of the Papal Conclave. This week, some 133 Cardinals are convening in secret in Vatican City to elect a successor to Pope Francis. With more on what to expect, and the influence that Pope Francis might have over the proceedings,