In a conclave of strangers, cardinals are starting to get to know one another

The cardinals seek to give an image of unity in the face of the most universal choice in history – in which there are so many strangers who must use credentials – and toil in the previous days to get to the Sistine Chapel with the work aimed at, as when Bergoglio was chosen in just 36 hoursThe race to the conclave begins with a defeat for the ultras: Cardinal Becciu takes a step to the side As in a medical congress or at the meeting of a multina…

In a conclave of strangers, cardinals are starting to get to know one another

VATICAN CITY (RNS) — In a College of Cardinals that is the most geographically diverse in centuries, name tags help, said cardinals gathering to begin the process of electing a successor to Pope Francis. The cardinals who will be sequestered in a conclave beginning May 7 said the first step to reaching a consensus of two-thirds of the group is to get to know one another and learn where they stand on the future of the church. Europeans remain the…

The Vatican reported on Tuesday two absences from the conclave that will elect Pope Francis' successor from next week, bringing the total number of eligible cardinals to 133.

Vatican City.- The Vatican reported on Tuesday two absences in the Conclave that will elect the successor of Pope Francis from next week, so that the total number of cardinals with voting rights fell to 133. A Spaniard and a Bosnian will not be able to participate for health reasons. The spokesman of the Holy See, Matteo Bruni, did not confirm their identities. The Spanish Episcopal Conference told AFP that one of them was Antonio Cañizares, 79 …

Cardinals hold sixth general congregation; 2 electors will not be at conclave

Cardinal Pietro Parolin (left) and other cardinals celebrate Mass on Day 3 of the Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis on April 28, 2025, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. / Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA Vatican City, Apr 29, 2025 / 11:08 am (CNA). The College of Cardinals held their sixth general congregation on Tuesday morning, confirming two cardinal electors will not participate in the upcoming May 7 conclave due to health reasons. The gene…

Two of the 135 Pope electors will not participate in the conclave beginning on 7 May for health reasons. The Vatican issues a series of sedisvacance stamps