A conclave is an unmissable event for the Catholic Church that takes place after the 9-day mourning period known as the“Novendiale“. This period began on the day of Pope Francis’ funeral. Finally, it will begin on May 07, after each cardinal takes the oath of office in the Sistine Chapel. We’ll feel the gravity of the moment.
Recently, two of the so-called “cardinal electors” withdrew for health reasons. So there will be 133, not 135, to choose the successor, not of Pope Francis, but of Peter, the first apostle chosen by Jesus to be “shepherd of the sheep”. The successor will have to be elected by a two-thirds majority of the Assembly.
But beware! During the days of mourning, the cardinals meet in ” general congregations “. These working meetings of the cardinals during the vacancy of the Apostolic See are essential for the continuity of Church affairs, under the authority of the camerlingue, and the preparation of the conclave. They enable the cardinals to get to know each other, so as to better elect Peter’s successor.
Practical questions
During the first General Congregations, the cardinals present must take an oath toobserve the prescriptions of the Apostolic Constitution and to maintain secrecy. The aim is not to divulge delicate issues affecting the future of the Catholic Church, such as the first “trends” concerning the election of the future pope. The first General Congregation is usually devoted to settling “urgent” matters, such as the date and arrangements for the Sovereign Pontiff’s funeral (which must take place between the 4th and 6th day after death), or the approval of necessary expenses for the Holy See until the election of the future pontiff. The fisherman’s ring (the insignia the Pope receives at the solemn inauguration of his pontificate, depicting St. Peter fishing with a net in his boat) has also been cancelled. More prosaic but nonetheless important issues were also discussed, such as the allocation of accommodation for the cardinals at Saint Martha’s residence.
The conclave: when?
The date of the conclave was decided by the General Congregation on April 28 and is set for May 07. On this date, all the cardinal-electors are present in Rome. But before that, just like a synod, these congregations remain essential for the cardinals, as they allow for frank – and timed – exchanges, while enabling them to get to know each other better. Let’s not forget that they come from all five continents and embody the universality of the Church. It’s a time to meet and mature, essential to the election of the next head of the Catholic Church. After all, the election of a Pope is not preceded by an “electoral campaign”.
How to live in the present?
Several websites are dedicated to prognostications, to a certain cabal (secret, quasi-esoteric agreement), even transmitting private revelations announcing the end of the world or of a world, the end of the papacy or the emergence of a papacy “worldized” by the spirit of the world, with the ignominy of the current Mass (Paul VI) versus the persecution of the “true Mass”, not to mention the emergence of impostors, the infiltration of destructive currents, etc., under the direction of so-called progressive cardinals.
There’s nothing here that’s spiritual, at least in the biblical sense and according to Christian tradition, nor authentically ecclesial, even though we know that the Church is the “bride of Christ” and that hell will not prevail against her. Everything we read or hear must be discerned, sorted out, rejected or retained , and this must be done in unceasing prayer. Let’s face it, the spirit of the world seeks agitation and turmoil, whereas the Spirit of God is peace and consolation.
We all know that a Christian’s attitude is one of FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY. So here’s an inspired prayer along those lines:
“Lord God, you wished to build your Church on the blessed Apostle Peter. Send your Holy Spirit to the cardinals gathered in Rome to elect his successor, by a decision of your Providence. May our next Pope be for your people the artisan of unity of faith and ecclesial communion. We ask this, united with the whole Church, through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
