The papal conclave will commence in May, when the cardinals will meet at St. Peter's Basilica and pray for the wisdom to select the next pope.

Cardinal Angelo Becciu, 76, announced Tuesday that he will not take place in the conclave to select the next pope following the death of Pope Francis.

The late pontiff’s health concerns in recent years led to contenders to succeed him foreseeing a papabile ahead of his death

Many continue to mourn the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away last week on Easter Monday at 88 years old. A passenger's mobile device was lodged in a seat and caused "an electrical smell," prompting an emergency landing to remove it.

Cardinals from across the world attended a mourning mass at St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, which was held in memory of the late Pope Francis.