Cardinals gather in Vatican with anticipation: Pre-conclave discussions persist among cardinals in the Vatican

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Week Before the Conclave: Cardinals Huddle at the Vatican

As congregations kick off in the Vatican in the week leading up to the upcoming conclave, some cardinals prefer dodging journalists' microphones as they rush towards St Peter's Square, while others are eager to chit-chat with reporters.

"Here's hoping the conclave doesn't drag on for too long," Cardinal Philippe Barbarin shared from his vehicle exiting the Vatican. When probed about the origin of the next pontiff and potential European representation, he remarked, "We're looking for a pope of the entire church."

Though ineligible to vote, cardinals aged 80 and above continue to participate due to their expertise. among them is Cardinal Rosa Chávez of El Salvador, who opened up more about collegial deliberations in our digital venue ahead of the 7 May conclave.

Golden Days of Continuity

"There's a palpable sense of excitement, there's no denying it's the inaugural names being bandied about today," Chávez said. "When we see cardinals we've yet to encounter on the screen, we listen to their insights, and we think, now that's intriguing, we don't know the chap, but he seems like a compelling choice."

"Five cardinals, max, are shaping up as my top candidates," Chávez added, "I predict a swift conclave, wrapping up within two to three days." Yet, on tradition's role in the proceedings, the cardinal clarifies that turning away from the past and Pope Francis' legacy is highly implausible.

"The continuity is obvious in the conclave's atmosphere," Chávez emphasized, "Pope Francis' legacy has such credibility that we cannot abandon this valuable legacy. Names and individual styles are still up for grabs, but the core ideals remain unchanged."

The cardinals appear to exude sobriety, acknowledging the divergent views that will inevitably surface, and the challenge of forging consensus for the church's and the world's collective interest.

Straight talk among members of the College of Cardinals continues throughout the week, sharing their opinions and knowledge, leading to the selection of the future head of the Roman Catholic church.

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During the week prior to the conclave, Cardinal Rosa Chávez, via WhatsApp, provided his plausible predictions for the upcoming meetings, suggesting a swift conclave lasting just two to three days.
Despite the impending conclave and potential changes, Cardinal Chávez stressed the continuity of Pope Francis' legacy in the Roman Catholic church, valuing its significance as the cardinals deliberate under the media gaze.
The general-news headlines also featured updates on the controversial Becciu affair, which serves as a reflection of the ongoing Vatican reforms and politics in the Catholic church.