February 14, 2013. (Romereports.com) The Vatican spokesperson, Father Federico Lombardi, confirmed that the papal secretary,
Msgr. Georg Gaenswein, will follow Benedict XVI when he withdraws to
Castel Gandolfo. He will then move to the Mater Ecclesiae Monastery inside the Vatican, along with the housekeeping staff that tended to the Pope in the last seven years.
Georg Gaenwein will remain prefect of the
Pontifical Household, and will organize the schedule for the new Pope, however he has no decision making authority in the process.
FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican Spokesperson “Msgr. Georg Gaenswein will travel along with the Pope to Castel Gandolfo and the monastery, and will continue to assist him personally, and also the Memores Domini.”
About the start of the conclave, Lombardi doesn't expect it to begin during the first half of March. According to Canon Law, it must begin 15 to 20 days after the start of the Sede Vacante period.
FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican Spokesperson “I am confirming that according to the constitution, if there are no great changes, the conclave should begin between the 15 and 20 day.”
The Vatican says they
do not know yet whether Benedict XVI will be at the inauguration ceremony of the new Pope, saying it will be up to him to decide.
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CTV
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