As Vatican officials gather for Pope Francis' funeral, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re takes center stage in coordinating the events leading up to the selection of the next pope, while remaining a figure of traditional leadership amidst significant changes.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re to Lead Funeral for Pope Francis
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re to Lead Funeral for Pope Francis
Following the passing of Pope Francis, Cardinal Re will oversee funeral arrangements and cardinal meetings, but won't participate in the papal conclave.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the 91-year-old dean of the Roman Catholic Church’s College of Cardinals, will preside over the funeral of Pope Francis, scheduled for Saturday. Though not partaking in the actual conclave due to his age, Cardinal Re plays a crucial role in managing the pre-conclave meetings of the cardinals.
Having served most of his career in the Vatican curia, Cardinal Re’s leadership will guide the cardinals as they discuss logistics for the funeral, address pressing church concerns, and set the agenda for the upcoming papal election. Experts suggest these meetings are critical in shaping the tone and direction of the conclave.
Historically, the congregation meetings can influence the selection process; for example, Pope Francis's rise was partly influenced by a speech he delivered in a similar setting during the 2013 conclave, calling for the church to engage more with the marginalized. Cardinal Re’s approach is expected to be respectful and traditional, as he is not one to stray from established protocols, contrasting the fictional interpretation of a similar character seen in the cinematic adaptation, "Conclave."
Once the conclave commences, the responsibility of presiding will fall to the oldest voting cardinal bishop, given that both Re and his deputy, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, are ineligible due to their ages. In 2013, during Francis' election, it was Cardinal Re who had the honor of asking the newly elected pope for his name selection.
As Vatican representatives prepare for this significant transition, all eyes are on Cardinal Re’s handling of the ceremonies, as well as the potential implications for the future of the papacy.
Having served most of his career in the Vatican curia, Cardinal Re’s leadership will guide the cardinals as they discuss logistics for the funeral, address pressing church concerns, and set the agenda for the upcoming papal election. Experts suggest these meetings are critical in shaping the tone and direction of the conclave.
Historically, the congregation meetings can influence the selection process; for example, Pope Francis's rise was partly influenced by a speech he delivered in a similar setting during the 2013 conclave, calling for the church to engage more with the marginalized. Cardinal Re’s approach is expected to be respectful and traditional, as he is not one to stray from established protocols, contrasting the fictional interpretation of a similar character seen in the cinematic adaptation, "Conclave."
Once the conclave commences, the responsibility of presiding will fall to the oldest voting cardinal bishop, given that both Re and his deputy, Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, are ineligible due to their ages. In 2013, during Francis' election, it was Cardinal Re who had the honor of asking the newly elected pope for his name selection.
As Vatican representatives prepare for this significant transition, all eyes are on Cardinal Re’s handling of the ceremonies, as well as the potential implications for the future of the papacy.
