The College of Cardinals continued its preparations for the upcoming papal conclave, as thousands of faithful streamed into St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their final respects to Pope Francis.
The third General Congregation was held Thursday morning with 113 Cardinals in attendance.
Key decisions were made regarding the Novemdiales—the nine days of mourning—and the meditations that will precede the conclave.
In a change of plans, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will now celebrate the Mass on the sixth day of mourning, replacing Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, was chosen to deliver the first spiritual meditation on Monday.
Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, the long-serving Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household, will deliver the second meditation at the beginning of the conclave.
The start date for the conclave has not yet been determined. The Cardinals used Thursday’s session to reflect deeply on the state of the Church and the world. A fourth General Congregation is scheduled for Friday at 9:00 AM.
Meanwhile, the Vatican reports that over 61,000 people had viewed the body of Pope Francis by 1:00 PM Thursday. St. Peter’s Basilica will remain open until midnight, or longer if crowds persist.
A state funeral is set for Saturday, April 26. Later that evening, a public Rosary will be held at 9:00 PM in front of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. The burial of Pope Francis will be conducted in private, as requested.
Beginning Sunday morning, April 27, the faithful will be allowed to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Marian Basilica—a final farewell to a pope who redefined the papacy with humility, compassion, and courage.
