The Catholic Church's cardinals voted Monday in favour of ending their preparatory meetings ahead of the conclave that will elect a new pope, Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said, dpa reported.
A total of 152 so-called Princes of the Church took part in the morning meeting, including the 115 eligible to participate in the conclave
With the papal election due to start on Tuesday afternoon, cardinals agreed not to extend the General Congregation to the afternoon, Lombardi said.