Record number of cardinal electors poses logistical challenge for conclave

VATICAN CITY - The Vatican is preparing for an unprecedented papal conclave following the death of Pope Francis, with a record 135 cardinal electors set to gather in Rome to choose the next Vicar of Christ.

Although Pope Francis did not change the rule limiting the number of cardinal electors to 120, he in fact appointed this historic number, the largest in modern Church history, thus creating a logistical problem for the conclave — particularly the capacity of the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican residence built to host the cardinal electors. ---More...