All cardinals participating in the conclave have arrived in Rome

(Patria) - All cardinals who will elect the future Pope have arrived in Rome, Vatican News reported yesterday.

"All 133 cardinal electors who came from different parts of the world are in Rome", the statement said after the 10th general congregation of cardinals held yesterday in the Vatican.

According to the head of the Holy See's press office, Matteo Bruni, to accommodate such a large number of people, the Vatican has prepared accommodation in the Domus Sanctae Marthae, which the cardinals have traditionally used in the last conclaves, as well as a neighboring building that served as a kindergarten for the children of Vatican employees.

Bruni stated that a draw was held for the cardinals on Saturday to determine the rooms they will occupy in secrecy and isolation during the conclave. The cardinals can move into the prepared accommodation as early as this morning.

The conclave is traditionally preceded by the solemn Mass "Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice" in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.

After lunch, the participants of the conclave will gather in the Apostolic Palace, from where, to the hymn "Veni creator spiritus", a solemn procession will depart for the Sistine Chapel.

There, the cardinals will take an oath "to observe the utmost secrecy regarding everything that in any way concerns the election of the Roman Pontiff".

The conclave will begin its work after the Master of Papal Ceremonies pronounces the famous Latin formula extra omnes (everyone out). The event will begin tomorrow at 4:30 PM local time.

The participants of the conclave are expected to vote several times a day until one candidate receives two-thirds of the votes, plus at least one more vote.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 89 after a serious illness.