The pope appeared to be alluding to the fact that since February there has been a crackdown by the Chinese authorities on religion in the mainland.

"I came to this world very humble and poor, and I want to die poor as well," said Bolivian cardinal-designate Toribio Ticona Porco.

The encounters will take place from June 1-3 at Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where Francis lives.

Pope Francis is trying to ensure that those who elect his successor are humble men committed to “a church of the poor and for the poor.”

Eleven of the new cardinals are under the age of 80 and so have the right to vote in the next conclave.

Both men were close to each other in life, and both are much revered by Pope Francis.