According to the Italian press, there may be a substantial problem with the Cardinals who will take part in the Conclave, with the right to vote and be elected for his succession.
More specifically, this finding is due to the fact that the Vatican Constitution is alleged to provide, as a maximum of 120 cardinals. At this stage, however, those who have the right to vote are 134.
There is in no way the possibility of excluding part of high -ranking clergy and no draw may be permitted. The only way out, according to the Italian media, is to be able to change – within a very short period of time – the Apostolic Constitution of the Holy See, with an increase in the number of candidates and at the same time electors.
Given the death of the Pontiff, the only way out seems to be a decision of the Cardinal Council (which temporarily exercises power in the Vatican) in order to overcome this barrier. Otherwise, any election of the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church could even be considered invalid.
Pope Francis’ funeral sequence and popular pilgrimage
It is recalled that the funeral of the Pontiff will be held on Saturday. At the same time, as of today, Wednesday, April 23, his body was put on a popular pilgrimage.
Early on Wednesday morning, a large number of believers arrived at the Vatican, and in particular to St. Peter’s Square, in order to pay tribute to the deceased “Pope of the Poor”.
Indeed, after the blessing in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta. The coffin was open and was accompanied by cardinals.
It is worth noting that by passing the procession from St. Peter’s Square, the crowd of believers who were concentrated there applauded the deceased Pope Francis.
Pope Francis’ coffin was taken in procession to St. Peter’s Basilica. After the blessing at the Casa Santa Marta’s chapel, his body, in an open casket, was accompanied by cardinals and carried through St. Peter’s Square where worshippers applauded the late Pope
— Reuters (@Reuters)
