The third General Congregation of the College of Cardinals was held Thursday morning in the New Synod Hall, with 113 cardinals now present in Rome for the sede vacante proceedings following the death of Pope Francis.
Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, briefed journalists after the session, which began with prayer at 9:00 a.m. and concluded by noon, including a half-hour break. Several important decisions were made, further shaping the Church’s path during this time of mourning and preparation for the upcoming conclave.
According to Bruni, 34 interventions were presented during the congregation. Cardinals also continued the reading of Universi Dominici Gregis, the apostolic constitution governing papal transitions, covering paragraphs 1–23 and opening a discussion “about the Church and the world.”
Among the day’s key announcements was a change in the celebrant for one of the upcoming Novendiales Masses. Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will now preside over the liturgy on the sixth day of the Novendiales, replacing Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
The College of Cardinals also confirmed who will deliver the two official meditations associated with the pre-conclave spiritual preparation. Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will offer the first meditation on Monday. Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household, will deliver the second meditation at the start of the conclave, the date of which has not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, the number of faithful paying respects to the late pontiff continues to surge. As of 1:00 p.m. Thursday, Vatican officials report that over 61,000 people had visited St. Peter’s Basilica to view the body of Pope Francis. The basilica is expected to remain open until midnight to accommodate the crowds, unless queues remain excessive.
Following the Requiem Mass scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m., Pope Francis’ coffin will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. In a moving tribute to his legacy, recipients of the Church’s charitable efforts will line the steps to greet him — a symbolic reflection of the late pontiff’s deep love for the poor.
As the Holy See noted in a statement, this gesture recalls that “the poor have a privileged place in the heart of God,” underscoring the message of mercy and humility that defined Pope Francis’ papacy.
That evening, a Rosary will be prayed outside the basilica at 9:00 p.m. The burial will be conducted privately. Beginning Sunday morning, April 27, the faithful will be permitted to visit the tomb of Pope Francis in the Marian Basilica.
The next General Congregation is scheduled for Friday at 9:00 a.m. as the cardinals continue their discernment in anticipation of the conclave.
