The status of an Italian cardinal is being debated as preparations get under way for the May 7 conclave to elect a successor to Pope Francis.

Two cardinals, who have the right to participate in the upcoming conclave, will not be attending. The meeting, which will conclude only when white smoke rises over the Vatican to indicate the selection of Pope Francis' successor,

Cardinals arriving for the first day of meetings after Pope Francis’ funeral were swarmed at the city-state’s gates by journalists eager for hints of whether any consensus is building around the elect

The Vatican is closing the Sistine Chapel to the public as part of preparations for the conclave to elect the next pope after the death of Francis

The cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church will gather on May 7 to elect a new pope in one of the most famous buildings in the world, the Sistine Chapel. Below are some facts about the chapel: * Named after Pope Sixtus IV and built from 1473-81,

The Vatican has closed the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals will gather for the conclave to elect the next pope after the death of Pope Francis.