As anticipation builds across the Catholic world, all 133 Cardinal electors have now arrived in Rome ahead of the upcoming papal conclave set to begin May 7. The electors, joined by other members of the College of Cardinals, are participating in the daily General Congregations—meetings designed to discuss the present state and future direction of the Church.
According to Vatican News, the tenth General Congregation took place on Monday, with 179 Cardinals in attendance, including 132 of the 133 electors. Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni confirmed the final Cardinal elector had arrived in Rome, bringing the total to 133, ensuring full participation in the conclave.
Bruni also announced that “Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals,” shared logistical details with his brother Cardinals, explaining that “Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell drew lots on Saturday afternoon for the room assignments.” The electors will reside at the Casa Santa Marta and the older Santa Marta residence, located within Vatican City.
Bruni noted that the Cardinal electors “will be able to travel from the Casa Santa Marta to the Sistine Chapel as they wish, even on foot—but along a protected route,” allowing them to remain within the secure confines of the Vatican as they move between their lodgings and the site of the conclave.
During Monday’s session, 26 Cardinals addressed the assembly on a wide range of issues central to the mission and unity of the Church. Among the topics discussed were the Church’s “missionary nature,” the need to transmit the faith in a fragmented world, and the role of Caritas “in defending the poor,” according to Vatican News.
Attention was also given to the need for a new Pope who would act as “a shepherd close to the people, a gateway to communion, gathering everyone in the blood of Christ, in a world where the global order is in crisis.”
Other interventions emphasized the importance of Canon Law, the role of the Vatican City State, care for creation, and the global impact of war. Concern over “divisions within the Church” was voiced, and the importance of nurturing vocations, strengthening family life, and prioritizing children’s education was reaffirmed. The Cardinals also revisited key documents from the Second Vatican Council, notably Dei Verbum, which they called “nourishment for the people of God.”
Bruni affirmed that the process remains open and participatory, saying “all efforts are being made during the General Congregations to ensure that all Cardinals who wish to speak have the opportunity to do so.”
The Sistine Chapel, now secured by the Vatican Gendarmerie, is nearly ready to receive the Cardinal electors for the conclave. While journalists will not be allowed to visit the interior, Bruni noted that “images will be released showing the prepared interior.”
As the Church prepares to elect the next successor of St. Peter, faithful Catholics around the world are called to prayer. The General Congregations serve not only to organize the practical aspects of the conclave but also to discern the pastoral and spiritual needs that the future pope will be called to address.
Sources: Vatican News, Holy See Press Office statements, May 5, 2025.
