Cardinals Discuss Papal Election in Rome, Conclave Date Still Open

The cardinals of the Catholic Church who have already arrived in Rome are meeting on Monday to discuss the election of a new pope. This is the fifth so-called General Congregation since Pope Francis' death on Easter Monday. It was still unclear how many cardinals would participate in the assembly, also known as the pre-conclave. Speculation about the candidates and possible favorites has been lively for days.

The cardinal assemblies before the conclave also offer an opportunity for exchange. The purple-clad cardinals from all over the world get to know each other and possibly forge alliances that could determine the outcome of the conclave. The discussions in the General Congregations revolve mainly around one thing: the profile of the new pope. What qualities should the new pontiff have, from which country should he come, what vision of the world church should he have: these are the questions around which the consultations revolve before the start of the conclave.

German Cardinal Marx for a "credible" Pope Successor

The profile of the successor to Francis is described by the German Cardinal Reinhard Marx (71) with the words: "It must be a personality who is courageous, free, and deeply rooted in the Gospel." The Archbishop of Munich and Freising, who is among the papal electors, does not see the upcoming conclave as a directional choice for the Catholic Church after the death of Pope Francis. "It's not about being progressive or conservative. It's about being credible," Marx said at a press conference of German bishops on Saturday.

Viennese Archbishop Schönborn: "I'm no longer a papal elector and that's a good thing"

The emeritus Viennese Archbishop, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn (80), is participating in the meetings of the cardinals to prepare for the conclave, but due to age, he cannot participate in the conclave itself. "I will be present at the nine-day discussions before the conclave. I'm no longer a papal elector and that's a good thing. Francis has appointed so many cardinals, they are magnificent people who are very committed and knowledgeable. This is the generation that is now coming up," the cardinal explained to the APA in Rome.

The Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, on the other hand, is indeed among the papal electors. These days, the cardinals are called upon to reflect on the true mission of service to the world church. "These will be days of prayer and meditation, decisive days in which the Spirit will enlighten us in our choice," Tagle said in an interview with the newspaper "Il Mattino". "Pope Francis has embarked on a great path. He was the pastor who did not limit himself to proclaiming the Gospel but was concerned with showing everyone the signs of God in the practice of daily life," Tagle said.

No Date Yet for Conclave in the Vatican

The cardinals have already met in the days before the funeral and burial in the Vatican. So far, there is no date for the start of the conclave, which takes place under strict secrecy in the Sistine Chapel. The cardinals may announce as early as Monday when the conclave is to begin. The earliest possible date would be May 5th or 6th.

Pope Electors from 65 Countries - Francis' Vision of a Global Church

Of the total 252 cardinals, 135 are eligible to vote and can participate in the conclave. The requirement for this is that they are under 80 years old. The current pope electors come from 65 countries and five continents. The composition of the College of Cardinals reflects Francis' vision of a global church that is increasingly less Eurocentric and Western-oriented. During his pontificate, Pope Francis has appointed 163 cardinals, 133 of whom were electors at the time of their appointment. The quota of 135 electors far exceeds the maximum limit of 120 set by Paul VI in the apostolic constitution Romano Pontifici Eligendo (October 1, 1975) and confirmed by John Paul II in Universi Dominici Gregis (February 22, 1996).

23 of the current pope electors were appointed by Benedict XVI and only five by Pope John Paul II. With the appointment of new cardinals, Francis has achieved a reduction in the influence of European cardinals. Only 59 electors come from Europe, 19 of whom are Italians. Among them are some favorites for the papal election, including the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa. This makes Italy the country with the most representatives in the conclave that must determine the name of Francis' successor. 37 cardinals come from America (16 from North America, four from Central America, 17 from South America), 20 from Asia, 16 from Africa, three from Australia.

Continued Rush at Pope Francis' Tomb

On Monday, numerous people are again expected at the tomb of Pope Francis. Already on Sunday, thousands bid farewell to him in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. In the church near the main train station in Rome, Francis was buried on Saturday. He died a week ago (April 21) at the age of 88.

Likewise, the third of the total nine funeral masses takes place, which are scheduled within the so-called "Novendiales." The celebration on Monday at 5 PM in St. Peter's Basilica is led by Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome. The second funeral mass was led by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Sunday, the requiem for Francis on Saturday in St. Peter's Square, presided over by Cardinal Dean Giovanni Battista Re, was considered the first of the nine funeral masses.

Funeral Mass for Francis Also in Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral

A funeral service for the deceased pope also takes place in Vienna. Attending the mass in St. Stephen's Cathedral will be, among others, the Archbishop of Salzburg Franz Lackner, Chairman of the Austrian Bishops' Conference, Federal President Alexander Van der Bellen, and Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP).

(APA/Red)

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