The College of Cardinals convened for their sixth General Congregation on Tuesday morning in the New Synod Hall, with 183 members present, including 124 eligible electors. The session saw roughly 20 Cardinals deliver brief addresses, each reflecting on pressing issues facing the global Church, informed by the unique realities of their respective regions.

During a media briefing, Matteo Bruni, Director of the Holy See Press Office, confirmed that two Cardinal electors will be unable to participate in the upcoming conclave due to health-related concerns. Additionally, Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu has formally withdrawn from the process, in deference to Pope Francis’s directive.

On Monday, the Cardinals collectively composed a message to the world, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of prayer and solidarity in recent days. This message was publicly released on Tuesday.

Looking ahead, the College of Cardinals confirmed that the conclave to elect the next pope will begin on May 7, mirroring the schedule followed in 2013.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College, will preside over the Pro Eligendo Papa Mass—celebrated for the election of a new pope—at 10:00 AM in St. Peter’s Basilica. Later that afternoon, at 4:30 PM, the Cardinal electors will gather in the Pauline Chapel for a solemn prayer service before proceeding into the Sistine Chapel. There, they will chant the Veni Creator Spiritus, take a sacred oath of secrecy, and begin the conclave proceedings to elect the new Bishop of Rome.