Number of Participants at Conclave is Set

The Vatican's spokesperson, Matteo Bruni, did not name the cardinals who will be absent from the conclave on Tuesday. According to earlier media reports, it could be the emeritus Archbishop of Sarajevo, Cardinal Vinko Puljić (79), and the Spanish Cardinal Antonio Cañizares (79).

Conclave Without Convicted Cardinal Becciu

The Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu, who was convicted in court and on this Tuesday declined to participate in the conclave, was not on the list of officially eligible cardinals. However, Becciu disputed the validity of the list and repeatedly asserted his innocence.

On Tuesday, the sixth general congregation of the cardinals took place, during which preparations for the conclave were made. 183 cardinals, including the emeritus Archbishop of Vienna, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, participated in the general congregation, which addressed, among other things, the challenges of the global church. The cardinals expressed gratitude for the great participation in the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, as reported by Bruni.

First Details About the Conclave

The Vatican has now announced details regarding the timeline for the start of the conclave next Wednesday. Accordingly, the cardinals will first gather in the morning (10:00 AM) for the Mass "Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice" (For the Election of the Roman Pontiff) in St. Peter's Basilica. This will be celebrated by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. In the afternoon (4:15 PM), the cardinals eligible to vote will meet in the Pauline Chapel in the Apostolic Palace. From there, the procession to the Sistine Chapel will take place at 4:30 PM.

The Vatican did not initially provide further details. Traditionally, however, after the solemn procession, the cardinals must swear an oath to observe the conclave's election rules and maintain absolute secrecy about the election. Subsequently, the master of ceremonies calls out "extra omnes" (everyone out) to ask all non-voters to leave the chapel. The way for the first ballot is then clear on the first day. The subsequent rhythm consists of two ballots in the morning and two ballots in the afternoon. The new pope requires a two-thirds majority to be elected. There is no time limit for the conclave.

Stamp Series for the Sede Vacante Offered Before Conclave

The Vatican Post announced on Tuesday the release of a stamp series for the Sede Vacante following the death of Pope Francis. The stamps are valued at 1.25 euros, 1.30 euros, 2.45 euros, and 3.20 euros and bear the inscriptions: "Sede Vacante MMXXV", "Città del Vaticano (Vatican City)" and the respective value.

The stamps are now available for purchase. A special folder is offered, containing all four stamps along with the official commemorative envelopes and the stamp created for this occasion. The folder will be available from Friday (May 2). The stamps are to be sold in the Vatican post offices and the pilgrim office at St. Peter's Square. A high collector's value is expected.

(APA/Red)

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