March 5, 2013
(Romereports.com) On Tuesday, March 5th at exactly 1 o'clock in the afternoon, the Sistine
Chapel was closed off to the public, as the Vatican gets ready for the
coming conclave.
FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican spokesman
“This
afternoon we started off some of the preparations in the Sistine
Chapel. So from now on, all visits to the Vatican Museums, will be
suspended. For the time being, tourists can't visit.”
The
College of Cardinals decided to send Benedict XVI a letter, thanking
him for his pontificate. It partly reads: Your example has shown us,
your generous pastoral concern for the good of the Church and the world.
It's signed by the Dean of Cardinals, Angelo Sodano, on behalf of the
group.
Cardinals decided that on Tuesday and Wednesday there
will only be one general congregation meeting and not two. This will
give them more time to talk amongst themselves.
On Wednesday afternoon, all Cardinals are invited to St. Peter's Basilica, to pray for the coming conclave and the next Pope.
FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican spokesman
“Tomorrow
afternoon there will be time for prayer in St. Peter's Basilica. It's a
time to pray for the cardinals who will participate in the conclave and
it's open to anyone who wishes to attend.”
As of Tuesday
afternoon, 148 cardinals are in Rome, 110 of them are cardinal
electors, so only five are still awaiting arrival. According to the
Vatican's spokesperson, they don't all have to be in Rome, for the date
of the conclave to be set.
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