A fellow cardinal emerged from the Apostolic Palace and strode beside him.

He also insulted his fellow cardinals, signatories to the 1987 agreement, by suggesting that they had no authority in the matter.

Although this election, known as a papal conclave, can theoretically elect any male Catholic as pope, since 1389 only fellow cardinals have been elevated to that position.

The Vatican has summoned Cardinal Law and his fellow American cardinals to Rome next week to discuss the sexual abuse crisis.

One chamberlain annoyed his fellow cardinals by constantly carrying the red velvet-covered scepter symbolizing his office.

In a possible effort to shore up support among fellow cardinals, Cardinal Law apologized to them on Monday night at a closed-door meeting.

Church experts say it is probable that Cardinal Law has now been largely discredited among his fellow cardinals and in the Vatican.

The conclave cardinals may elect any baptised Catholic male, but since 1389 they have always elected a fellow cardinal.

Innocenzo, although relieved of all real duties, continued to be showered with benefices and high offices, much to the disgust of his fellow cardinals.

Julius II become pope in 1503 by bribing fellow cardinals.