March 2, 2013. (Romereports.com) Now that Benedict XVI has retired, the attention of the Church turns to the Conclave, where 115 cardinals will elect the next Pope. The Vatican has not yet begun to prepare the Sistine Chapel for the Conclave, since the constitution states that no preparations can begin until the cardinals begin their
General Congregation meetings. Those meetings begin on Monday
March 4th.FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican's Spokesperson
“Preparations have not started in the Sistine Chapel. Right now, tourists are still visiting the museums.”
Seventy five cardinals already live in Rome. On Saturday, the Vatican announced that 66 cardinals who do not live in the city, will be arriving over the weekend or by early next week.
FR. FEDERICO LOMBARDI
Vatican's Spokesperson
“At this point, 66 cardinals who do not live here have gotten in contact with their residence here in Rome, to let them know when they will be arriving. Some will arrive on the 4th, 5th or 6th.”
The Vatican also announced that during this 'Sede Vacante' period, faithful will notice a small change during Mass. Priests will make no mention or prayer for 'Our Pope, Benedict XVI,' since he is no longer Pontiff. This will be applied universally. In Rome, there will be no prayer for 'Our Bishop,' since Rome's Bishop was Benedict XVI.
Also a group of three contemplative nuns from Mexico, will be praying eight hours a day before the Eucharist in St. Peter's Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. The nuns will be praying for the cardinals as they take on the responsibility of electing the next Pope.
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