Final Press Briefing: Cardinals hold last General Congregation
The Holy See Press Office on Monday held its last briefing before the Conclave. The
briefing happened after the 10th and final General Congregation of the
Cardinals, in which 152 Cardinals participated. The head of the Holy See Press Office
Father Federico Lombardi, SJ, confirmed the Cardinals heard a report on the Institute
for the Works of Religion (IOR), more commonly known as the Vatican Bank. The Cardinals
also spoke about their expectations and hopes for the new Pope. They also chose
the three assistants, from each class of Cardinals, who will help during the first
days of the Conclave: Cardinal Antonios Naguib for the Cardinal-Bishops, Cardinal
Marc Ouellet for the Cardinal-Priests, and Cardinal Francesco Monterisi for the Cardinal-Deacons. The
press officer said, judging by previous conclaves, if a ballot is held on Tuesday,
the first smoke would probably not be seen until around 8pm. Reporters were also
reminded of a small change after a Pope is elected: Before appearing on the Central
Loggia, he will pray, by himself, in the Pauline Chapel. It was confirmed that
Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the personal secretary of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI, will
proceed with the Cardinals before the Conclave, in his role as Prefect of the Pontifical
Household. It was also clarified that the Mass of the Inauguration of the Pope
does not have to take place on a Sunday, but will take place at least a few days after
the election, so everything can be organized. Also, on Monday afternoon, the approximately
90 non-Cardinals who play a role in the Conclave – such as liturgists, housekeepers,
drivers, technicians – were scheduled to be sworn to secrecy about events surrounding
Conclave in a special ceremony in the Pauline Chapel of the Apostolic Palace. There
will be no press briefing on Tuesday. Listen to the English portion of the press
briefing: