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CNA is quoting ‘sources’ saying Pope Benedict intends to publish a declaration enabling cardinals to select a date for the Conclave to start earlier than the 15 day waiting period, currently required by the Church’s Canon Law.
Communications Director, Fr Federico Lombardi SJ, confirmed the possibility that the Pope was considering such a move.
The current law governs the norm when a pontiff dies, however by Benedict’s retirement has raised new issues.
The main item to be addressed is the conclave’s timing.
John Paul II’s “Universi Dominici Gregis” established that it should not be sooner than 15 days after the death of the Pope, but the case of an abdication with advanced notice was not foreseen. There are also housekeeping items such as securing the Pope’s belongings and other points of procedure, reports CNA.
Most of the cardinals who do not live in Rome will only begin arriving three days before Benedict resigns on February 28.
Before the conclave begins, the cardinals will hold a series of General Congregations, at which they will take up any administrative items, discuss the needs of the Church and talk about who can best respond to those needs as the next Pope.
Source: CNA
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