Cardinals meet ahead of papal funeral

Cardinals gathered for the fourth General Congregation, continuing preparations ahead of Pope Francis's funeral. These meetings, taking place before the conclave begins, help shape the profile of qualities needed in the next pontiff.

The number of participating cardinals has steadily increased, with 113 attending the third congregation, demonstrating the global Church's commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral ceremony at St. Peter's Square, after which Pope Francis will be interred at the Basilica of St. Mary Major per his wishes.

Since his body began lying in state at St. Peter's Basilica, approximately 20,000 faithful have paid their respects, enduring wait times of up to five hours. Vatican officials have implemented enhanced security measures for the funeral, which is expected to draw 200,000 attendees, including nearly 200 international dignitaries. Among those anticipated to attend are U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Prince William.

While all 252 cardinals may participate in the General Congregations, only the 135 under age 80 are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave—a number exceeding the traditional 120-voter limit, a restriction Pope Francis chose to waive during his pontificate.

The conclave will begin after the nine-day mourning period (Novendiales) concludes. The vote will reveal whether the current cardinals, most appointed by Francis himself, believe his progressive reform agenda and embrace of liberal social values went too far, potentially signaling a period of retrenchment.

As these preparations continue, the global Catholic community watches with anticipation, reflecting on Francis's legacy and the future direction of the 1.4 billion-member Church.