(CNN) — The Catholic cardinals gathered in Rome and are expected to  vote later Friday on the date for the secret election, or conclave, to elect a new pope, a Vatican spokesman said.

The conclave is not expected to begin before Monday but could start some time next week, said the Rev. Federico Lombardi.

There will be 115 cardinal-electors taking part in the conclave, the Vatican confirmed. Only those younger than 80 are eligible to vote.