Cardinal Becciu steps aside: "I adhere to Francis' orders, I abstain from participating in the conclave for the Church's benefit"
Let's Dive into the Approaching Conclave
Gear up, folks! The sixth assembly of cardinals in Vatican City is underway, leading up to the Conclave scheduled for May 7th. This morning's buzz comes courtesy of Becciu, who's stepping back and announces his reluctance to join the Conclave. Meanwhile, folks continue to flock to Santa Maria Maggiore, making a pilgrimage to Pope Francis' tomb, which has been open since this morning.
As for the Conclave, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako of Baghdad, speaking to the press before the congregation, predicts a swift affair: "It'll be a short Conclave, about two to three days." He describes the atmosphere as filled with camaraderie and responsibility. When quizzed about his voting preference, he cryptically replied: "I've got a clear picture in mind, but it's a secret."
Updates from Conclave Central
- Conclave's Rapid Pace: Ruini's Conservative Faction Unites
- Top Contenders for the Throne
- The Conclave Architects
- Farewell to Pope Francis: Schianchi's Obelisk
In-depth Analysis
Conclave: No One's Securing a Win Just Yet: Time for Recruiters
Mantovano's Network. Why Meloni Hopes for a Conservative Pope
Matteo Maria Zuppi, the Dialogue Cardinal Who Rolls on a Bike
Péter Erdő, the Guardian of Tradition Against Openings on Divorcees and Gays
Pope Francis: The Controversial Ornament on His Tombstone Sparking Debate
Key Points * Sako: "The Conclave Will Be Short, Two-Three Days"* Cardinal Koovakad to Slam Shut the Sistine Door
Predicting the Pope's Successor: A Modern, Social Take
"Even though the so-called 'conclave' - a term that illustrates its secretive nature - will be a locked place, it will in reality be open to the world, if the Holy Spirit prevails and frees our spirits, renewing, purifying, and recreating us." With such optimism, the abbot Dom Donato Ogliari opened the morning's general congregation of cardinals. "May the Holy Spirit illuminate your hearts, minds, and eyes so you can feel, understand, and see the wonders the Lord has in store for His Church and the world," Ogliari concluded.
As the world patiently waits for the Church's next leader, Cardinals are deep in negotiations, grappling with rumors, and engaging in prayer during these pre-Conclave days. A review of these elector cardinals' social media presence sheds light on new profiles, many unverified, while others with established profiles and consistent usage stand out. Pope Francis has transformed Twitter into a powerful tool for evangelization, and it's no surprise that this trend carries over to the cardinals. However, Italian Matteo Maria Zuppi and Pietro Parolin have kept a low profile online. Among potential successors to Bergoglio, the Filipino cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle boasts a wide following of over 39,000 on X, a social media platform.
The Becciu Case and the London Palace Sale
Following the financial scandal surrounding the London palace's sale, Pope Francis requested Cardinal Becciu to forego his rights connected to the cardinalate in 2020, allowing him to keep the title. Becciu resigned but resumed attending Vatican events since 2022, following the Pope's invitation. With his appeal set for September after his first-degree conviction by the Vatican Tribunal, Becciu has maintained that he has the standing to partake in the Conclave, as there hasn't been an "explicit intention" to exclude him. However, during the initial congregations, two letters signed by the Pope, revealed by 'Domani', would exclude Becciu from the Conclave: one from 2023 and another from last March, during the Pope's hospitalization at the Gemelli. These letters, identified only by the initial 'F', were reportedly shown to Becciu last Thursday by Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Today, Becciu has decided to abide by Pope Francis' wishes and stay out of the Conclave.
Cardinal Sako: "It will be a short Conclave, two-three days"
"It will be a short Conclave, lasting about two to three days," emphasizes Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako of Baghdad, speaking to the press before the congregation. "The atmosphere among us is overwhelmingly fraternal and permeated by a sense of responsibility," he adds. When asked about his voting preference, he replied secretively, "I've got a very clear idea, but I can't disclose it."
Cardinal Koovakad to Secure the Sistine Chapel Door
Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, an Indian Catholic cardinal, has been tasked with closing the door of the Sistine Chapel during the voting process when the gathered electors must retreat into isolation. As the last cardinal of the diaconate order, it will be his responsibility to bar the door after the "extra omnes" has been proclaimed, unlike the Master of Liturgical Celebrations, this time Monsignor Diego Ravelli. He will also be in charge of reopening and closing the door as needed during the conclave. As the last of the diaconate order, Koovakad will also be the first to enter the Sistine, as the cardinals process towards the chapel in reverse order of precedence to reach their designated seats.
Becciu: "I Follow Francis; I Choose to Stay Out of the Conclave"
"In the interest of the Church, which I have served and will continue to serve with unwavering loyalty and love, and to promote unity and tranquility among the Conclave, I have decided to abide by Pope Francis' desire to keep me out of the Conclave, despite remaining confident in my innocence," Cardinal Angelo Becciu stated.
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The Pope Selection Process: What You Need to Know
The upcoming selection of the new leader for the Vatican is a significant event. Here's a breakdown of the process and timeline:
Timeline
- Pre-Conclave Period: The conclave usually commences approximately 15 to 20 days following the pope's passing. During this period, various masses are held for different parts of the church.
- 30 April 2025: Mass for the Papal Chapel.
- 1 May 2025: Mass for the Roman Curia.
- 2 May 2025: Mass for the Eastern Churches.
- 3 May 2025: Mass for members of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life.
- 4 May 2025: Mass with the Papal Chapel group on the final day of mourning.
- 5 May 2025: Earliest possible start date for the conclave, although it will begin on May 7th.
Conclave Process
- Gathering and Secrecy: The conclave takes place within the Sistine Chapel, where cardinals are secluded until a new pope is chosen. Only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote.
- Voting Procedures: A two-thirds majority is required to elect a new pope. Voting occurs in rounds, and ballots are burned following each round. Smoke signals convey the results: black smoke indicates an inconclusive vote, whereas white smoke signals a successful election.
- Organization: Nine cardinals are randomly selected for crucial roles: three scrutineers, three collectors of votes, and three revisers.
- The Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako of Baghdad expects the Conclave to be short, lasting approximately two to three days.
- Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, the last cardinal of the diaconate order, will be responsible for barring and reopening the Sistine Chapel door during the Conclave.
- Despite his confidence in his innocence, Cardinal Angelo Becciu has decided to abide by Pope Francis' wishes and stay out of the Conclave.
- Documenting the Conclave will shed light on the cardinals' social media presence, highlighting trends in evangelization and political leanings.
