Chambon estimates that there are about 200 cardinals in the world at present, but only those aged 80 or younger will be cardinal electors and actually vote for the new Pope.

In a small church tucked into a side street in northern China's Hebei province, a group of around 10 people gathered for their weekly meeting, the day after Pope Francis died aged 88. Others who gathered said they were "shocked" to hear of his death because it "seemed so sudden" -- especially after he had made an appearance at the Vatican the previous day,