In an increasingly global Catholic Church, an Italian pope is still possible — but not probable. View on euronews

When the cardinals meet for the conclave, they gather in the Sistine Chapel. All cardinal electors must swear an oath of secrecy and vote by secret ballot. A two-thirds majority is needed to elect a new pope, and campaigning is part of the process, though it should not appear so.

An Italian cardinal who was convicted of embezzlement and fraud said on April 29 he will not take part in the secret conclave to elect the new pope that will be held beginning on May 7 in the Sistine Chapel following the death of Pope Francis.