Cardinal Tagle among 3 assistants in conclave preparations

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Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and two others are set to assist the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in preparing for the conclave

MANILA, Philippines – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was chosen by lottery to be among the three assistants of the camerlengo, or caretaker of the papal household, in preparing for the conclave at least for the next three days.

The other cardinal whose name was drawn was Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, according to Vatican News on Monday, April 28.

Cardinal Reinhard Marx was part of the commission as coordinator of the Council for the Economy.

Tagle, Mamberti, and Marx will assist the camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in preparing for the conclave to elect Pope Francis’ successor, which is set to begin on May 7. They are part of a particular congregation, a smaller group, as opposed to the general congregations that involve College of Cardinals. 

The apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which a 1996 document that governs conclaves, states that a particular congregation is composed of the camerlengo and three cardinals “chosen by lot from among the cardinal electors already present in Rome.”

“The office of these cardinals, called assistants, ceases at the conclusion of the third full day, and their place is taken by others, also chosen by lot and having the same term of office, also after the election has begun,” Universi Dominici Gregis said.

The document explained: “The particular congregations are to deal only with questions of lesser importance which arise on a daily basis or from time to time. But should there arise more serious questions deserving fuller examination, these must be submitted to the general congregation.”

The names of Tagle, Mamberti, and Marx were announced at the end of the fifth general congregation on Monday.

Over 180 cardinals, including non-electors, gathered for Monday’s general congregation. The Holy See Press Office said cardinals “had the opportunity to speak about the Church, its relationship with the world, the challenges that arise and the qualities of the new Pope.”

The Vatican said other topics included “evangelization, relations with other faiths, and the issue of abuse.” There were about 20 interventions during the general congregation from 9 am to 12:25 pm (Rome time).

In the 2013 conclave, it was during a general congregation that Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires delivered a rousing speech, which was said to have convinced cardinals to elect him pope. Bergoglio, who was later known as Pope Francis, said it was a challenge for the next pope to help the Church “go out to the existential peripheries.”

The sixth general congregation is set for 9 am (Rome time) on Tuesday, April 29. – Rappler.com