A conclave to choose a new pope normally takes place 15 to 20 days after the death of a pontiff, meaning this conclave should not start before May 6.

Tens of thousands of people have paid their respects to Pope Francis whose remains continue to be held in state at the Vatican. Thousands more people are still expected to visit the late pontiff as the viewing hours at St Peter’s Basilica were extended overnight to allow more mourners to see his remains.