Final Press Briefing: Cardinals Hold Last General Congregation
Vatican Radio
[with audio] The Holy See Press Office on Monday held its last briefing before the Conclave. The briefing happened after the 10th and final General Congregation of the Cardinals, in which 152 Cardinals participated. The head of the Holy See Press Office Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, confirmed the Cardinals heard a report on the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), more commonly known as the Vatican Bank. The Cardinals also spoke about their expectations and hopes for the new Pope. They also chose the three assistants, from each class of Cardinals, who will help during the first days of the Conclave: Cardinal Antonios Naguib for the Cardinal-Bishops, Cardinal Marc Ouellet for the Cardinal-Priests, and Cardinal Francesco Monterisi for the Cardinal-Deacons. The press officer said, judging by previous conclaves, if a ballot is held on Tuesday, the first smoke would probably not be seen until around 8pm. Reporters were also reminded of a small change after a Pope is elected: Before appearing on the Central Loggia, he will pray, by himself, in the Pauline Chapel. It was confirmed that Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the personal secretary of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, will proceed with the Cardinals before the Conclave, in his role as Prefect of the Pontifical Household. It was also clarified that the Mass of the Inauguration of the Pope does not have to take place on a Sunday, but will take place at least a few days after the election, so everything can be organized. Also, on Monday afternoon, the approximately 90 non-Cardinals who play a role in the Conclave – such as liturgists, housekeepers, drivers, technicians – were scheduled to be sworn to secrecy about events surrounding Conclave in a special ceremony in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace.
There will be no press briefing on Tuesday.
|
.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.