Final General Congregation Prior to Conclave For Cardinals

Oath To Be Taken This Afternoon By Vatican Religious And Personnel

VATICAN CITY, March 11, 2013  – The tenth and last General Congregation of Cardinals happened today in the Vatican before the start of the Conclave tomorrow. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, briefed journalists on today’s morning session, as well as details on the upcoming Conclave.

152 Cardinals were present at this early morning’s congregation which began with the choice, by drawing whole lots, of the members of the Particular Congregation, who are chosen every three days to assist the Camerlengo with his duties throughout the conferences.

Those picked were Patriarch Antonios Naguib, the Patriarch Emeritus of Alexandria, Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Congregations of Bishops, and Cardinal Francesco Monterisi, Cardinal Archpriest Emeritus of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. Fr. Lombardi additionally stated that all 3 will hold their posts throughout the Conclave.

The director of the Holy See Press Office specified that 28 Cardinals spoke today, making a total of 161 interventions provided throughout the General Congregation. The Cardinals voted to not hold another congregation in the afternoon, therefore allowing them to prepare to move to Domus Santa Marta and prepare for Conclave.

Amongst the themes that were touched upon today were on the Institution of Religious Works (IOR) which existed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Camerlengo. Although the IOR is understood by lots of as the “Vatican Bank”, Fr. Thomas Rosica, assistant to Fr. Lombardi for English-speaking reporters, clarified that the bank is only one element of the IOR, whose foundations handle funding for various works of faith and charity.

Additionally gone over were the expectations, or a profile of the brand-new Roman Pontiff, which will help the Cardinals to choose the successor of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.

Fr. Lombardi informed the reporters present that this afternoon that about 90 people, who will help the cardinals throughout the Conclave, will take the oath of secrecy. Among them will be the secretary of the College of Cardinals, women and guys spiritual workers who help in the Pontifical Sacristy, Religious confessors, and physicians and registered nurses. Taking the oath are those in fee of cleansing and maintenance at Domus Santa Marta.

The directors of both the Swiss Guard and Vatican Civil Protection, or the Gendarmes, are expected to attend.

The Missa Pro Eligendo Romano Pontefice, which precedes the Conclave will start at 10:00 am. The order of the Eucharistic liturgy was made available to journalists in printed format, as well as available online on the Vatican site. Fr. Lombardi mentioned that the mass will level to the public. Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside the party, with the College of Cardinals concelebrating.

In the mid-day, at 4:30 pm, the Cardinals will process from the Pauline Chapel to the Sistine Chapel. The cardinal electors will swear the oath first entirely, then individually, putting their hand on guide of Gospels.

Prior to the conclave, Cardinal Prosper Grech, Cardinal-Deacon of Santa Maria Goretti, will provide the meditation.