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

This afternoon, at 17.00, the second General Congregation of the Cardinals took place, attended by approximately one hundred cardinals (103).

The meeting began with the prayer Veni, Sancte Spiritus, followed by a moment of prayer in memory of the Holy Father Francis.

During the Congregation, the cardinals who had not yet taken the oath were sworn in, in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. The programme for the Novendiali, as already made public, was also approved.

The meeting concluded at 18.30. The next Congregation is scheduled for tomorrow, 24 April, at 9.00.

This evening at 21.00, and every day until Saturday, a Rosary for the Holy Father Francis will be held in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

According to the competent authorities, between 11.00 and 19.30 today, almost 20,000 faithful came to pay their respects to the Holy Father Francis.

In addition, so far there are over 2200 journalists and media operators accredited for these days’ events.