Pope may change conclave rules before leaving: Vatican
Worldwide, Daily news | ankakh | February 20, 2013 20:38Pope Benedict may change Church rules governing the conclave where cardinals from around the world will meet next month to secretly elect his successor, the Vatican said on Wednesday.
Benedict was studying the possibility of making changes to two laws established by his predecessor Pope John Paul before he abdicates on February 28, a spokesman said.
The changes may affect the timing of the start of the conclave.
Spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said Benedict
was considering making changes that would “harmonize” two documents approved by his predecessor.
One governs the period while the papacy is vacant, known as the “Sede Vacante,” and another is more specific about the running of the conclave after it begins.
A 1996 apostolic constitution by Pope John Paul, called “Universi Dominici Gregis,” stipulates that a conclave must start between 15 and 20 days after the papacy becomes vacant, meaning it cannot begin before March 15 under the current rules.
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