In Rome, 133 cardinals have gathered to participate in the conclave starting on Wednesday. This information was provided by the Vatican after Monday's congregation. The Vatican announced that all 133 cardinals who will participate in the upcoming conclave are already present in Rome.

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.

Next week’s conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics is a solemn affair steeped in centuries-old traditions. But far from the Sistine Chapel where cloistered cardinals will cast votes,