(ANSA) - Genoa, February 26 - The president of the Italian
Bishops' conference, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, said Tuesday the
conclave to elect a new pope would be held as soon as possible
following Benedict XVI's shock resignation with effect from
February 28.
"The Church in its wisdom and experience, and in accordance with a very strict code, is moving towards the earliest possible Conclave," said the Archbishop of Genoa.
Cardinal Bagnasco also described the moment as "historic" and invited the faithful to pray for the outgoing pope "in the midst of many other important matters, including for our country". On Monday Pope Benedict XVI issued a motu proprio allowing the college of cardinals to begin the conclave before the statutory 15 days have passed from the beginning of the sede vacante (the interregnum period between the death of a pope and the election of a successor), provided all voting cardinals are in Rome.
However a date will not be set until after March 1.
photo: Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco
"The Church in its wisdom and experience, and in accordance with a very strict code, is moving towards the earliest possible Conclave," said the Archbishop of Genoa.
Cardinal Bagnasco also described the moment as "historic" and invited the faithful to pray for the outgoing pope "in the midst of many other important matters, including for our country". On Monday Pope Benedict XVI issued a motu proprio allowing the college of cardinals to begin the conclave before the statutory 15 days have passed from the beginning of the sede vacante (the interregnum period between the death of a pope and the election of a successor), provided all voting cardinals are in Rome.
However a date will not be set until after March 1.
photo: Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco
