Rome’s top security official has confirmed that the measures in place for the upcoming papal conclave will mirror those deployed for the funeral of Pope Francis. Tens of thousands of people are expected to flood the capital from 7 May.
Rome Prefect Lamberto Giannini, who chaired a public order and safety meeting on Wednesday, said authorities would mobilise “all the forces at our disposal” to safeguard the event. “It is an unpredictable event, but we will be ready,” he said.
Security forces are also preparing for the possibility that a new pope could appear as early as Sunday 12 May. They will then deliver the traditional Angelus blessing from St Peter’s Square. “Special services may be needed,” Giannini added.
Cardinals prepare as conclave nears
On Wednesday, the College of Cardinals held their seventh General Congregation in Vatican City as preparations continued ahead of the secret conclave to elect Pope Francis’s successor. The conclave will begin on Tuesday 7 May.
Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez of El Salvador, who is over the age of 80 and not eligible to vote, told reporters he expected a swift outcome.
“I think it will last three days at most,” he said. “We don’t have a name or the style, but I think the direction is clear. It’s very open and there could be surprises, as there always have been in the history of the Church.”
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Becciu steps back from conclave
Meanwhile, the College of Cardinals publicly welcomed the decision by Italian Cardinal Angelo Becciu not to attend the conclave. Becciu, who is appealing a conviction for embezzlement and aggravated fraud, had expressed interest in taking part. This despite being stripped of his rights as a cardinal by Pope Francis in 2020.
Becciu was at the centre of a financial scandal involving mismanagement of Church funds. The embezzlement included the purchase of a luxury flat in London. The former prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints was shown two documents signed by Francis confirming he should not attend.
“Having at heart the good of the Church, which I have served and will continue to serve with fidelity and love, and to contribute to the communion and serenity of the conclave, I have decided to obey Pope Francis, as I have always done, and will not enter the conclave,” Becciu said in a statement on Tuesday. “I remain convinced of my innocence.”
The College of Cardinals said they hoped “the competent juridical bodies may definitively ascertain the facts.”
