The annual drive to update the electoral roll is getting under way this month with letters being sent out to households, seeking confirmation of existing electors and information on new ones.

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But the cardinal-electors, those aged under 80 who are eligible to vote for the new pontiff, are taking time to prepare -- and to get reacquainted.

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In his opening address on Wednesday night, Pope Francis joked that his electors had travelled "to the ends of the Earth" to find their new leader.

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Cardinal Pell, 71, is among the 115 cardinal-electors (those younger than 80 years old) eligible to vote for the new pope, and theoretically could be chosen himself, though he has played down the possibility.

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