What are the general congregations of the cardinals during the vacancy?

At 9:00 (Rome time) on Tuesday the first general congregation of Cardinals took place, a meeting behind closed doors to address the most relevant issues that concern the Catholic Church during the vacant headquarters, after the death of Pope Francis Monday, April 21.

The assembly lasted an hour and a half and attended around 60 cardinals. As reported by the press office of the Holy See, those present prayed for Pope Francis and lent oath, since they must keep secret about the issues discussed. Next, Camarlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, read the testament of Pope Francis.

In this first general congregation, each cardinal was given a copy of the Apostolic Constitution The universe dominic of the flockthat collects the rules governing these plenary assemblies.

Relevant decisions are subjected to a secret vote

In the meetings, decisions of great importance are made, such as the day and time of the funeral of the Holy Father or the transfer of his remains to the Basilica of San Pedro for the veneration of the faithful, as well as the start date of the conclave.

Purpuradas must also approve the necessary expenses until the election of the new Pope, read the documents left by the deceased pontiff, provide what is necessary for the preparation of the Sistine Chapel or the accommodation of the cardinals in Santa Marta, whose rooms will be assigned by raffle.

The cardinals gathered on Tuesday determined by vote that The funeral of Pope Francis takes place on Saturday, April 26 at 10:00 am in the Plaza de San Pedro, as established by the The Roman Pontiffthe document that regulates the funeral rite for the pontiffs.

They also determined that the mortal remains of the Pontiff will be transferred on Wednesday at 9:00 (local hours) to the Basilica of San Pedro so that the faithful who wish can offer their last tribute to the Holy Father.

After the funeral on Saturday, April 26 will begin officially the noveltya nine -day cycle in which the liturgical and spiritual road to the conclave is prepared, which will be held shortly after in order to choose its successor in the San Pedro chair.

During these days, the world cardinals will begin to arrive in Rome to participate in the general congregations prior to the conclave, known as “preparatory sessions.”

There will also be “Assemblies of Cardinals voters” during the conclave, so these meetings will be held daily until the choice of a new pontiff.

Who should participate?

As established All Dominic of the flock, They are obliged to participate “all cardinals not legitimately prevented, are barely informed of the vacant headquarters.” The outlined over 80 years are exempt.

During these meetings, the sloping ones also exchange impressions about the profile of the next Pope. Decisions are voted secretly and for approval an absolute majority are needed.

They are usually done in the Apostolic Palace, although other places can also be chosen according to the desire of the cardinals. In addition, they are chaired by a particular congregation, formed by Cardinal Camarlengo and three other cardinals chosen by raffle.

The next congregation will take place tomorrow afternoon at 5:00 p.m. (Rome time). As indicated by the Vatican, the sloping ones who will attend Camarlengo for the next three days will be Cardinal Parolin, Cardinal Rylko and Cardinal Baggio.