VATICAN CITY -- The conclave of cardinals to elect a new pontiff to succeed the late Pope Francis on St Peter's throne will begin on Wednesday May 7, the Vatican said Monday. The decision was made by a meeting of the Congregation of Cardinals held in the tiny city state. 

 More than 180 cardinals attended the Congregation, the fifth held so far since Francis died on Easter Monday, including more than 100 cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote for the next pope, the Vatican added. 

 Italian newspapers speculated that Italian cardinals are favoured to be elected, with former secretary of state Cardinal Parolin, 70, likely to start the conclave with support from as many as 40 cardinals in the first ballot.