Cardinals First General Congregation

Serene and Constructive’ Ambience

VATICAN CITY, March 04, 2013  – This early morning, the first General Congregation of Cardinals occurred at the Synod Hall, found in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press workplace, updated reporters this morning concerning this morning’s procedures.

The Members was headed by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals, together with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, and Archbishop Lorenzo Baldisseri, assistant of the Congregation of Bishops.

After taking their spots in order of seniority, suggesting based on their standing as Cardinal Bishops, Cardinal Priests or Cardinal Deacons, they began with the invocation “Veni Sancte Spiritus.” – which means “Come Holy Spirit”.  Then Cardinal Sodano greeted the cardinals and told them about the technical procedures that are required for this all important meeting. The meeting was translated into 5 foreign languages (Spanish, English, Italian, German, and French).

Fr. Lombardi explained that of the 207 Cardinals anticipated ahead to Rome, 142 are present. Of those existing, 103 are Cardinal electors, those eligible to elect the brand-new Roman Pontiff.

Observing the standards on the election of the Pope laid out in Pope John Paul II’s Apostolic Constitution, Universi Dominici Gregis, the cardinals in one voice, declared the oath that is to be sworn by all cardinals participating in the Conclave:.

“We, the Cardinals of Holy Roman Church, of the Order of Bishops, of Priests and of Deacons, guarantee, promise and testify, as a body and separately, to observe specifically and faithfully all the norms contained in the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis of the Supreme Pontiff John Paul II, and to maintain strenuous privacy for all matters whatsoever related to the election of the Roman Pontiff or those which, by their actual attributes, throughout the vacancy of the Apostolic See, require the exact same secrecy.”.

Fr. Lombardi discussed that after proclaiming the oath, each Cardinal approached and, positioning his practical the Gospels, explaining: And I, N. Cardinal N., so guarantee, promise and swear. Assist me The lord and these Holy Gospels which I now touch thanks to my hand.

‘Serene and Constructive’ Encounter.

After the oath was completed, 3 cardinal electors that will assist the Camerlengo in the first three days of the congregations were picked using the lot system.

Those selected were Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re from the order of bishops, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe from the order of Clergymans, and Cardinal Franc Rode from the order of deacons. After being decided on the three cardinals took their places alongside the Camerlengo at the head table.

Even though Fr. Lombardi was not at liberty to review the specifics regarding what exactly was discussed during the General Congregration, he did state that, as is traditional, the sermonizer of the Pontifical Family, Fr. Raniero Catalamessa, O.F.M. Cap, will give the initial meditation to the College of Cardinals early in the afternoon.

Fr. Lombardi concluded his rundown on the congregation, taking note that the conference was accomplished in a “serene and positive” ambience. Additionally he explained that there is a real “desire to get work done” as well as a wonderful “concern for all that is needed by the Church throughout the whole world.”.