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,

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.

Once-powerful Vatican official Cardinal Angelo Becciu has formally withdrawn from participating in the conclave to elect a new pope