Vatican City, Apr 11, 2005 / 22:00 pm
137 cardinals from around the world gathered this morning at the Vatican for their 8th General Congregation in preparation for the election of a new pope.
Among other plans, they announced the closing of the papal apartments with the seal of the Apostolic Camera, and the reception of condolences from the diplomatic corps scheduled for tomorrow.
Holy See Press Office Director Joaquin Navarro-Valls noted in a statement today that, "After the opening prayer and the swearing of the oath by Cardinal Jean Margeot, who just arrived today, several decisions were communicated on the matter of expenses that are incurred during the period of the vacant see, as well as indications on the transportation of the cardinals from the Domus Sanctae Marthae to the Sistine Chapel and back.”
"Cardinal Sergio Sebastiani”, he wrote, “informed the cardinals on the consolidated financial statements of the Holy See for 2004, and on several particulars of the consolidated budget for 2005.”