Christopher Sunday, VoxNews Nigeria (voxnews.com.ng)
The 113 Cardinals currently gathered in Rome convened for their third General Congregation on Thursday morning, setting the stage for the forthcoming conclave to elect the next Pope.
Among the decisions taken, the Cardinals announced that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will celebrate the Mass on the sixth day of the Novemdiales, replacing Cardinal Kevin Farrell in that role.
They also confirmed the speakers for the two traditional pre-conclave meditations. Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will deliver the first meditation on Monday. The second meditation, which will take place at the start of the conclave, will be offered by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household.
The Cardinals have not yet set a date for the conclave. Meanwhile, discussions continue on the Church’s role in the world, with the next General Congregation scheduled for Friday at 9:00 AM.
According to Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, approximately 61,000 mourners had paid their respects to the late Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica as of 1:00 PM on Thursday. The basilica will remain open until midnight, unless large crowds necessitate extended hours.
The funeral for Pope Francis is set for Saturday, April 26. That evening at 9:00 PM, a Rosary will be recited in front of the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Mr. Bruni also announced that the burial service will be held privately.
Beginning Sunday morning, April 27, the faithful will be able to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Marian Basilica.
As Rome continues to host thousands of pilgrims and mourners, the mood remains somber yet reflective. Flags hang at half-mast across Vatican City, and black-draped banners adorn key locations, including St. Peter’s Square and surrounding basilicas. Candles, flowers, and handwritten tributes are being left by the faithful, many of whom have traveled long distances to bid farewell to Pope Francis.
Across the city, churches are holding special Masses and prayer vigils, while Catholic communities worldwide continue offering prayers for the repose of the late Pope’s soul and guidance for the Cardinals tasked with selecting his successor.
Pope Francis, known for his humility, pastoral heart, and emphasis on mercy, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, leaves behind a legacy that reshaped the global perception of the papacy. From his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2013 to his final public blessing, Pope Francis remained committed to “a Church that is poor and for the poor.”
His writings, including Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato Si’, and Fratelli Tutti, will remain central to theological and moral discussions for generations to come. His funeral on April 26 is expected to draw millions of viewers from across the globe, and while the burial service will be private, it marks the end of a significant era for the Catholic Church.
As the College of Cardinals prepares to enter conclave, speculation continues over the direction the Church might take under the next pontificate. With pressing global challenges—including migration, climate change, war, secularism, and internal reform—many believe the next Pope will be chosen not just to lead, but to heal and unify.
Until the white smoke rises above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of the next Supreme Pontiff, the world watches and prays with the Church.
