In this morning's general congregation, cardinals examined the Holy See's economic situation. They also looked at the New Evangelisation, relations between the Roman curia and local Churches, the Church's involvement in the world, the profile and expectations associated with the new pope, ecumenical dialogue, charity and the Church's commitment towards the poor. Some 114 cardinal electors were present at the meeting with the last one expected this afternoon. Cardinals are free to talk on any topic deemed useful to their reflection and decision, including Vatileaks. Rumours that Saint Peter's Basilica was being readied for a Missa pro eligendo Pontifice on Sunday are unfounded, spokesman said.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The date for the start of the conclave has not yet been decided. The cardinals are aware that "electing a pope needs clear rules, that after they are secluded, they must follow a rigid timetable to vote four times a day, which means they have little time to talk between ballots. Hence they must come to the vote with an already informed opinion," said Fr Federico Lombardi, Vatican Press Office director.

"Preparation is crucial," Fr Lombardi explained. "Things must be assessed in a contextx that is quite new for the Church. A papal renunciation is unusual. The problems of the world are complex. The dean of cardinals is not a chief; he is 'primus inter pares'. And I think it is correct for the dean to move cautiously, paying close attention without giving the impression of trying to impose a timetable."

"I think it is quite normal and sensible not to decide right away. When a date is picked, the time available for preparing is set. For this reason, it is good to choose a date when we are three or four days before the period of thinking, reflecting and analysis is concluded."

With regards to the conclave's date, Fr Lombardi dismissed reports that appeared yesterday that some of the Masters of Ceremony had reserved Saint Peter's Basilica for this coming Monday to celebrate a 'pro eligendo Summo Pontefice' Mass, thus suggesting that the Conclave would start on Monday.

"Reserving Saint Peter's Basilica is not the task of the Master of Ceremonies but of the College of Cardinals," he said. "That piece of news, therefore, is completely false. Any priest can celebrate a 'pro eligendo Summo Pontefice' Mass asking God to enlighten the pontifical College in these days".

Speaking about reports quoting unnamed sources, including high prelates, the Vatican Press Office director said, "If someone has something to say, it would be better if he said it giving his full name, and took responsibility [for what he said]. Otherwise, it would be preferable for them to keep silent. At least, that is how I would do it. Still, everybody has their own way of reading and evaluating things. A similar interview appeared months ago. On that occasion, but in a different context, I simply said that it was false information. That was clear enough."

This morning's general congregation, the fifth so far, saw the participation of 152 cardinals, including 114 cardinal electors. Only Card Pham Minh Man of Hồ Chí Minh City was absent; he is due to arrive in time for this afternoon's session. Thus, all 115 cardinals with the right to vote for the Pope will be present.

There were 16 interventions this morning, the first three by cardinals in charge of economic affairs in the Holy See: Card Versaldi for the Prefecture for the Economic Affairs; Card Calcagno in charge of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (APAS); and Card l Bertello from the Governatorate of Vatican City State.

UNDER Paragraph 171 of the Apostolic Constitution on the Roman Curia Pastor Bonus, the College of Cardinals must receive a report on the patrimonial and economic status of the Holy See during the Vacant See. The three cardinals gave a brief report and made themselves available for any further inquiries by their fellow cardinals.

The other interventions were wide ranging, on the basis of individual requests and not on any one subject matter. They touched topics like the Church's commitment to evangelisation, relations with local Churches, the Church's involvement in the world, and the qualities and traits required for the next Pope. Further discussion concerned ecumenical dialogue, charity and the Church's commitment to the poor.

In response to a question, Fr Lombardi said that the cardinals are free to talk about anything they want or anything they think is important to reach their decision. They can ask for any information they feel is pertinent. It would be reasonable to assume that some wanted to know about 'VatiLeaks'.

A 30-minute break was held in the morning, Fr Lombardi said, to allow the cardinals to talk together, exchange ideas, agree to meet each other and organise additional research.

This morning, the particular congregation was changed by lot after three days in accordance with Universi Dominici gregis. The prelates picked were Cardinal Rai for the order of bishops, Cardinal Monsengwo for the order of priests and Cardinal De Paolis for the order of deacons.

This morning, the dean of cardinals read a telegram sent on behalf of the College of Cardinals to Vice President Maduro, interim leader of Venezuela, on the occasion of the death of President Hugo Chavez.

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