The seventh General Congregation of the College of Cardinals will commence in a few hours time at 9.30 am today, Friday, 8 March 2013 in Rome, with all the 115 Cardinal-electors having been present in Rome. The date of the Conclave may be decided in this General Congregation, and if so, the usual scheduled press briefing by Fr. Federico Lombardi of the Holy See Press Office, will announce it (at 1 pm today).

There will be no Eighth General Congregation this afternoon. It is not known yet when the General Congregations will begin again, or when the Mass for the Election of the New Pontiff (Missa pro Eligendo Pontifice) will be held.

Continue praying for our Cardinals, that they will soon be able to come into a conclusion on their discussions and meetings, and filled with the Holy Spirit, will be able to go into the Conclave and with their inspiration, elect a great new Pope as our new shepherd!