General congregations: With all electors present still no date for Conclave

Vatican Radio ^ | March 7, 2013

[NYer]

(Vatican Radio) The very first issue on Fr. Federico Lombardi's agenda Thursday during his daily briefing with international press was to reiterate once again that no date has yet been set for Conclave. He noted that news reports of St Peter's Basilica having been booked Monday afternoon next at 5pm, for a Mass for the election of the Roman Pontiff are unfounded. Fr. Lomabrdi pointed out to press that the Missa pro eligendo pontifice can be celebrated by any priest during the interregnum, or Vacant See, as part of the Universal Church's call to prayer during this period.

152 Cardinals were present for the 5th general congregation that began at 9:30 with prayer. There were two new arrivals overnight: Cardinal Nycz from Warsaw, Poland, who is an elector; and Italian Cardinal Coppa, who is not. The Vietnamese Cardinal Pham of Hồ Chí Minh City is due to arrive in time for Thursday afternoon’s session. His arrival will bring the number of Cardinal Electors present in Rome to the total 115 men who can vote in Conclave for the Pope.

The particular congregation, or executive that aids the camerlegno, Cardinal Bertone, and is chosen by lot every three days, was renewed this morning: The names extracted were Cardinal Rai for the order of bishops, Cardinal Monsengwo for the order of priests and Cardinal De Paolis for the order of deacons.

Also Thursday morning the Cardinal-Dean, Angelo Sodano, read the text of a telegram that the College of Cardinals will send to Venezuela marking death of President Chavez.

There were 16 interventions, the first three by Cardinals in charge of the economic affairs of the Holy See; Cardinal Versaldi who is in charge of economic affairs, Cardinal Calcagno in charge of APSA (administration of the Holy See’s patrimony) and Cardinal Bertello from the Governatorate of Vatican City State. Paragraph 171 of the Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia Pastor Bonus demands the College of Cardinals receive a report on the patrimonial and economic status of the Holy See during the Vacant See.

The remaining 13 interventions were wide ranging: touching on topics from the Church’s commitment to evangelization, relations with local bishops, ecumenical dialogue and the Church’s charitable commitment to the poor. Further discussion concerned the talents, qualities and characteristics required of the next Pope.

More to follow...
(Vatican Radio) The very first issue on Fr. Federico Lombardi's agenda Thursday during his daily briefing with international press was to reiterate once again that no date has yet been set for Conclave. He noted that news reports of St Peter's Basilica having been booked Monday afternoon next at 5pm, for a Mass for the election of the Roman Pontiff are unfounded. Fr. Lomabrdi pointed out to press that the Missa pro eligendo pontifice can be celebrated by any priest during the interregnum, or Vacant See, as part of the Universal Church's call to prayer during this period.

152 Cardinals were present for the 5th general congregation that began at 9:30 with prayer. There were two new arrivals overnight: Cardinal Nycz from Warsaw, Poland, who is an elector; and Italian Cardinal Coppa, who is not. The Vietnamese Cardinal Pham of Hồ Chí Minh City is due to arrive in time for Thursday afternoon’s session. His arrival will bring the number of Cardinal Electors present in Rome to the total 115 men who can vote in Conclave for the Pope.

On Thursday morning, the particular congregation, or executive that aids the camerlegno, Cardinal Bertone, and is chosen by lot every three days, was renewed: The names extracted were Cardinal Rai for the order of bishops, Cardinal Monsengwo for the order of priests and Cardinal De Paolis for the order of deacons.

Also Thursday morning the Cardinal-Dean, Angelo Sodano, read the text of a telegram that the College of Cardinals will send to Venezuela marking death of President Chavez.

There were 16 interventions, the first three by Cardinals in charge of the economic affairs of the Holy See; Cardinal Versaldi who is in charge of economic affairs, Cardinal Calcagno in charge of APSA (administration of the Holy See’s patrimony) and Cardinal Bertello from the Governatorate of Vatican City State. Paragraph 171 of the Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia Pastor Bonus demands the College of Cardinals receive a report on the patrimonial and economic status of the Holy See during the Vacant See.

The remaining 13 interventions were wide ranging: touching on topics from the Church’s commitment to evangelization, relations with local bishops, ecumenical dialogue and the Church’s charitable commitment to the poor. Further discussion concerned the talents, qualities and characteristics required of the next Pope.


Journalists were once again treated to a brief film depicting preparation work on the Sistine Chapel. This included workmen blacking out the windows to the ancient chapel and the installation of the chimney stack through which the world will first come to know when and if a Pope has been elected.

The sixth general congregation will continue Thursday evening from 5 to 7 pm.

[NYer]

According to EWTN ...

Final cardinal arrives in Rome for conclave

[trisham]

I continue to pray for Pope Benedict. I am very concerned about this enclave.

[trisham]

Sorry, I meant to say “conclave”. I am a bit anxious.

[SevenofNine]

I think they gearing up for Chapel be ready that all I think maybe we have annoucment maybe Tuesday of next week

[Salvation]

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[steve86]

I didn’t even catch it. In what ways are you concerned and anxious?

[trisham]

I don't want a Pope who is on Facebook, or who thinks that he is a rock star. I want a Pope who believes in God, and who believes in the Holy Catholic Church.

No reality show Catholicism for me.

[steve86]

The more openly extroverted ones (a little redundant) cause me pause also, although I’m sure there have been good popes who shared that characteristic. Let’s both pray for the best election.

[trisham]

Amen.

[Biggirl]

While it is very, very important to have a devout, good, and holy Pope, in this age of the social media, it does not hurt to witness for Jesus using Facebook or Twitter. Even Pope Benedict XVI and the Vatican used social to witness for Jesus.

Prayer is all that we can do now.