The fourth General Congregation of the Cardinals began this morning at 9.10.

It was attended by 149 Cardinals.

The Congregation began with a moment of prayer. The Cardinals who had not already done so gave their oath, in accordance with the provisions of the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.

During the Congregation, the reading of the Constitution continued, from Chapter 27 to 32.

It was decided that, on Sunday, the Cardinals would visit the tomb of the Holy Father Francis together, at Saint Mary Major. They are scheduled to arrive at 16.00. The Cardinals will pass through the Holy Door, visit the tomb of Francis and then the chapel where the Salus Populi Romani is displayed. They will then celebrate Vespers together.

The interventions within the context of shared reflection on the Church and the world then followed.

A total of 33 Cardinals spoke.

At the end of the Congregation, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, explained the genesis of the exequial rite. It was reaffirmed that it is the funeral of a pastor, and not a sovereign, according to the liturgical choices desired by the Holy Father Francis and approved by him in June 2024.

The Congregation ended at 12.20.

Since last Wednesday at 12.00 until today, approximately 150,000 people paid their respects to Pope Francis in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Basilica closes at 19.00, but access to the line will end at 18.00.

This evening, the Rite of the closing of the coffin of Pope Francis will be a private act, and will therefore not be broadcast live.

With regard to the protocol arrangements:

It has been indicated that all the representatives will be seated on the right side (looking at the Basilica).

In the first row, the presidents of Argentina (the Pope’s country of birth) and Italy;

The reigning sovereigns will follow, then the heads of State, following the French alphabetical order of the States represented.

The complete list of delegations will be published this afternoon.

Visits for journalists to Saint Mary Major will take place on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

To date, 2700 journalists are accredited for the events of these days.

The fifth General Congregation of the Cardinals will take place on Monday morning at 9.00.