Vatican News / YouTube Screenshot
CV NEWS FEED // The College of Cardinals gathered April 24 for the third General Congregation, in preparation for the upcoming conclave following Pope Francis’ death, Vatican News reported.
The meeting, held in the New Synod Hall, brought together 113 cardinals from across the world. It began at 9 a.m. Rome time with prayer and concluded at noon.
Several cardinals took their official oath in accordance with Universi Dominici Gregis, the apostolic constitution guiding papal elections. They then reviewed the first 23 paragraphs of the same document.
The cardinals picked two clergy members to offer the traditional meditations before the conclave begins: Father Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will deliver the first meditation on Monday, and Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher emeritus of the Papal Household, will provide the second meditation at the start of the conclave, which has not yet been determined.
Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández was appointed to celebrate the Mass on the sixth day of the Novemdiales, replacing Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
While the conclave preparations continue, public mourning for Pope Francis remains fervent. As of Thursday afternoon, more than 61,000 faithful had come to pay their respects at St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Vatican announced following Saturday morning’s funeral Mass that recipients of the Church’s charitable outreach will symbolically stand on the steps of the Basilica of St. Mary Major to pay their respects.
Upcoming events include the next General Congregation the morning of April 25, the funeral Mass at 10 a.m. April 26, and a Rosary for the late pope at 9 p.m. April 26. Pope Francis’ remains will be buried privately. On April 27, the public can begin visiting Pope Francis’ tomb.
