JAKARTA: An Indonesian prelate has become the first cardinal to announce that he will not be able to attend the conclave that elects a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja, the retired Archbishop of Jakarta, told AsiaNews that the “progressive deterioration” of his health has led him to conclude that he cannot make the trip to Rome for the papal election. Cardinal Darmaatmadja, who is 78, has lived in a home for elderly priests since his retirement from active ministry two years ago.

Cardinal Darmaatmadja’s absence means that there will be 116 cardinals participating in the conclave. -- CWN