Editor’s Note: In an unheard of turn of events. the Dean of the College of Cardinals, whose duty is to call the Cardinals to Rome to attend the funeral of the recently deceased Pope, has not only done that, but has convened the First General Congregation of the College, for tomorrow morning at 9 A.M., in the Hall of the Synod (Aula del Synodo), normally used for the Synod of Bishops.
Supporters of Cardinals who are not present at Rome, and who obviously cannot arrive so quickly from distant parts of the world, are crying “foul”, even though the Cardinal Dean is within his rights, according to the Papal Law, Universi Dominici Gregis.
Normally, however, the convocation of the First General Congregation is only made after the funeral of the Pope. But evidently, since these gatherings have no authority to elect a pope, only discuss matters of greater and lesser importance regarding the Apostolic See and the administration of Vatican City, it appears that the Cardinal Dean must have weighty reasons to do so.
I suspect it is because he wants to inform them that the Vatican is bankrupt and the expenses of a Papal Funeral will be hard to bear, and require the fundraising help of the College’s many contacts world wide.
But it could be to resolve issues regarding the funeral of Pope Francis, who wanted to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore, but whom many Cardinals might want buried at Saint Peter’s Basilica.
And, even more likely, it is simply to read the Last Will and Testament of Pope Francis, which may contain unusual stipulations.
Still, to convene the First Congregation before all the Cardinals can be present is going to start the proceedings toward the next Conclave on a very sour note, and suscitate many suspicions and bad will.
This action by the Cardinal Dean in no way affects the canonical validity of the upcoming Conclave. But it is causing a lot of controversy.
UPDATE: Cardinal Zen has formally objected to the convocation of the First General Assembly on April 22, 2025:
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I had thought it would be very difficult to get from Hong Kong to Rome at such short notice.
Encouraging to see Cardinal Zen’s feisty response.
Note that the Cardinal Dean’s letter states that Pope Francis entered eternal life at 7:45am yesterday, Easter Monday, whereas the official press releases and statements stated 7:35am – although those reports were themselves rather tardy. (One wonders if there was reticence potentially to disturb Pope Francis and incur his ire, as per the dark comedy film, The Death of Stalin.)
What time yesterday was the Cardinal Dean’s letter issued?
It was first said, 7:30, but 7:45pm was probably when they certified the death.