More than 180 cardinals, including just over 100 electors, participated in today’s general congregation. They delivered about 20 speeches dedicated to Church matters, relations with the world, challenges, and the characteristics that should define the new pope so that he can meet them. Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle and Dominique Mamberti, protodeacon of the College of Cardinals, were drawn to the commission deliberating within the particular college. Cardinal Reinhard Marx, coordinator of the Vatican Council for Economic Affairs, is a permanent member of the commission supporting Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell.
Tomorrow, members of the College of Cardinals will listen to a conference by Fr. Donato Ogliari, a Benedictine, abbot of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, whom they chose during one of last week’s congregations as one of two preachers who will deliver a teaching before the start of the conclave. The second is Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, a Capuchin, former preacher of the Papal Household, who will address the cardinals at the start of the conclave.
As of today, due to preparations for the conclave, the Sistine Chapel is also closed to visitors. Until further notice, the Vatican Gardens and the Via Triumphalis necropolis cannot be visited either.
General congregations of cardinals will be held daily, until May 6 inclusive, starting at 9:00 AM. They will not be convened only on holidays: Friday, May 1, and Sunday, May 4.
