The preparation process for the election of the new Pope is advancing in Rome with serenity, spiritual depth, and ecclesial focus. This Tuesday, April 29, the Sixth General Congregation of the College of Cardinals was held in the New Synod Hall, attended by 183 cardinals, including more than 120 electors. There, some twenty of them shared interventions on the present and future of the Church.

The reflections addressed the pastoral, social, and spiritual challenges of today’s world, from a diversity of geographical perspectives, with the common desire to discern the profile of the new Successor of Peter. In this session, the cardinals also expressed their gratitude to the Italian authorities for welcoming the thousands of pilgrims who came to Rome for Pope Francis’ funeral.

A meditation focused on humility

The day began with a spiritual address by Father Dom Luigi Maria Mariai Ogliari, Abbot of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, who proposed a meditation entitled: “Humility, Communion, and Service.” With clear and forceful words, the Benedictine reminded us that “one does not enter a conclave as if participating in a race,” and warned against careerism and human ambitions.

Ogliari encouraged the cardinals to look to Christ and, in a climate of prayer and communion, to seek the pastor who can best “confirm our brothers and sisters in the faith” and guide the People of God in these complex times. He also called for avoiding polarizations or human strategies that divert focus from what is essential: humble service to the Gospel.

A Schedule Already Set

The Vatican has confirmed that the conclave will begin on Wednesday, May 7, repeating the schedule already observed in 2013. At 10:00 a.m., Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the Mass “Pro eligendo Papa” in St. Peter’s Basilica.

That same day, at 4:30 p.m., the cardinal electors will gather in the Pauline Chapel for a joint prayer. From there, they will process to the Sistine Chapel singing the Veni Creator Spiritus and take the solemn oath of fidelity and secrecy, thus officially beginning the conclave.

Two Confirmed Absences

The Holy See Press Office has announced that two cardinals will not participate in the conclave for health reasons: Cardinal Juan de la Caridad García Rodríguez, Archbishop Emeritus of Havana, and Cardinal Bernardin Gantin of Cotonou. Thus, the total number of cardinal electors will be 117, a figure that continues to comply with the provisions of canon law.

A Time of Prayer and Hope

In this context, Pope Emeritus Francis continues to be remembered with affection and gratitude. The Church lives these days with the certainty that the Holy Spirit guides her in this decisive moment. The Christian people, for their part, are called to accompany by prayer this process of discernment that will mark a new chapter in the history of the pontificate.