Prayer quietly opened the first General Congregation of the College of Cardinals on Tuesday morning, with cardinals coming together to ask for God’s mercy on the soul of Pope Francis.
Around sixty cardinals assembled inside the Synod Hall to take part in the event. Following the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, each of them pledged to strictly follow the rules guiding the period between pontificates and the selection of a new Pope. After this solemn oath, the Adsumus—an age-old plea to the Holy Spirit—was chanted.
RelatedPosts
During the gathering, they read out paragraphs 12 and 13 from Universi Dominici Gregis, which contain the duties and instructions to be observed during the period when the seat of the Pope is vacant.
The Pope’s final message was also made public during the meeting, as Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who holds the office of Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, read it aloud to everyone in attendance.
Plans relating to beatification events have been temporarily halted by the College of Cardinals, giving space for the next Pope to reflect and decide on the way forward regarding those matters.
The cardinals also agreed on the timing for moving the Pope’s body and for the funeral rites, which are set for Saturday, 26 April at 10:00 AM, as was earlier stated by the Vatican Press Office.
The next General Congregation will happen in the evening of Wednesday, 23 April. On that same day, during the morning hours, the formal movement of the late Pope’s body to the Basilica will be carried out, where he will lie in state for public veneration.
A Mass has been arranged as part of the Novemdiales, the traditional nine-day mourning period. This particular service will take place on Sunday, 27 April, in St. Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin has been given the responsibility of leading the Mass that Sunday, which will be the second day of the Novemdiales. Beginning from Monday, daily Masses will continue at 5:00 PM, allowing Catholics around the world to offer prayers for the eternal rest of Pope Francis’ soul.
In line with what Universi Dominici Gregis instructs, three cardinals have been chosen by drawing lots to support the Camerlengo in leading Church affairs during the period when there is no Pope.
These three cardinals each come from one of the College of Cardinals’ three orders. They will be rotated every three days. The first selected are Pietro Parolin from the episcopal order, Stanisław Ryłko from the presbyteral order, and Fabio Baggio from the diaconal order.
Later on Tuesday evening, a Rosary will be said in St. Peter’s Square at 7:30 p.m. Rome time. All members of the faithful have been encouraged to come together in prayer during this service for Pope Francis.
