Calling for a Conclave

On this first day of the Sede Vacante, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, the Dean of the College of Cardinals has issued an inviation for the Cardinals (of which there are 207 at the moment, 117 of whom are eligible to vote in this Conclave) to the first General Congregation, according to the provisions of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici gregis, which outlines the procedures to be followed for the election of the Roman Pontiff.

His Eminence, Angelo Cardinal Sodano

The first General Congregation, or meeting of the Cardinals, will begin on Monday morning, March 4 at 9:30am, and will take place in the Paul VI Hall, in the Synod of Bishops chamber.  A second General Congregation is also planned in the afternoon of that same day, beginning at 5:00pm.

During these meetings, the Cardinals will review the directives of the Apostolic Constitution, in preparation for the Conclave.  Details about the date when the Conclave will begin will be decided by the Cardinals and communicated, most probably at some point early next week.  As the Cardinal electors gather in Rome in these days, there are occasions for them to meet one another, to discuss together the situation of the Church and to begin prayerfully considering who it is that the Holy Spirit is pointing out as the chosen candidate for the office of Roman Pontiff.