The first general congregation of the Cardinal College takes place at the Vatican, marking the beginning of a period of prayer, reflection and preparation after the death of Pope Francis.
By Vatican News
A silent prayer moment for the rest of the soul of Pope Francis opened the first general congregation of the Cardinals College on Tuesday morning.
About sixty cardinals gathered in the Synod room for the occasion and, in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici GregisThey solemnly took an oath to faithfully observe the standards governing the interrelage and the election of the new Roman pontiff. THE AdsumusA traditional invocation of the Holy Spirit was then sung.
During the session, paragraphs 12 and 13 of Universi Dominici Gregis have been read aloud, describing the responsibilities and procedures to follow in the Vacant sede period.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Roman Roman church, also read the will of the Pope Francis.
The College of Cardinals has also decided to suspend the beatification celebrations planned until the new Pope can deliberate.
The cardinals confirmed the dates of the translation of the body of the Holy Father and its funeral, which will take place on Saturday April 26 at 10:00 am, as previously announced by the Holy See press office.
The second general congregation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23, at the end of the afternoon. In the morning will be dedicated to the ceremonial transfer of the Pope’s body to the basilica, where he will remain in the state.
As part of the “November», The nine traditional days of mourning, a mass will be celebrated on Sunday April 27 on Saint-Pierre square.
The secretary of state of Cardinal Pietro Parolin will chair the Sunday liturgy, which will be the second in the November. These masses will continue daily at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, offering the faithful the opportunity to unite in prayer for the eternal rest of the Holy Father.
In accordance with Universi Dominici GregisA commission of three cardinals was selected by lot to help Camerlengo in the governance of the Church during the Vacant sede.
These three cardinals represent the three orders of the Cardinal College and are replaced every three days. The first group of three cardinals thus chosen is the Pietro Paroline (episcopal order), Stanisław Ryłko (presbytery order) and Fabio Baggio (Sloded Order).
Tuesday evening, at 7:30 p.m. Rome time, there will be a rosary on Saint-Pierre square, inviting the faithful to join the prayer for Pope Francis.
