This morning, during a meeting with journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, announced the following:

This morning, from 9.00 to 10.30 approximately, in the new Synod Hall, the first General Congregation of the Cardinals took place, in the presence of approximately sixty cardinals.

The meeting commenced with a prayer in memory of the Holy Father Francis, followed by the recitation of the Adsumus.

Paragraphs 12 and 13 of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis were read out.

The cardinals then took their oath, in accordance with the provisions of the Apostolic Constitution.

Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, read out the Testament of the Holy Father Francis.

During the first General Congregation, the dates of the translation and the Funeral Mass of the Roman Pontiff were decided, as already published.

Teenagers present in Rome on the occasion of the Jubilee will be able to participate in the Eucharistic Celebration of the morning of Sunday 27 April, the second of the Novendiali.

The Mass, in Saint Peter’s Square, will be presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin.

The Particular Congregation was established, with the drawing of lots for the three Cardinal Assistants to the Camerlengo. The first three Cardinals drawn by lot are: Cardinal Pietro Parolin (Order of Bishops), Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko (Order of Priests) and Cardinal Fabio Baggio, C.S. (Order of Deacons), who will remain in office for three days in accordance with the norms in force.

The second General Congregation of the College of Cardinals will take place tomorrow afternoon at 17.00. In the morning, the Cardinals present in Rome will participate in the rite of translation.

This evening, at 19:30, the Rosary for the Holy Father Francis will take place in Saint Peter’s Square.