Vatican - Papal vote preparations start while problems continue

CBS news Reports Even without a pope, the Vatican is not so quiet – this is the first Sunday in nearly eight years that Pope Benedict XVI is no longer leading the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics.

Windows are shut and public squares where the Pope usually talks to the masses are empty. While the world awaits for a new Pope to be elected. Flocks of Cardinals from all over are coming to the holy city to start the Discussions: Vatican code on the process on who will be the next Bishop of Rome.

This also follows some troubles the Catholic Church has been dealing with along with Benedicts resignation. From child abuse scandals, claims of financial mismanagement, along with a questionable administrative structure.

Even Cardinal Keith O’Brien of Scotland confessed after claims of denial “My sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal.” Saying he would play “no further part” in the public eye of the church. He also will not vote on the next pope.

All of which is why American cardinals, like one of Chicagos own Cardinals Francis George, have been pushing for the idea that the next Pope must be more than just a simple spiritual leader.

“We have to have someone who is willing to govern, not just pastorally with the whole universe in mind, universal church in mind, but, but administratively to see that the administration is better ordered,” George said. “Not that he has to do it himself.”

In a article from Times of India they stated: 

The list of challenges facing the crisis-hit Church could take weeks to debate, but the Vatican seems keen to have only a week of talks so the 115 cardinal electors — those under 80 — can enter the Sistine Chapel for the conclave next week. 

As of right now tourists can visit the Sistine Chapel but the cardinals are still deciding when that will cease, so they can prepare for the Papal Conclave. 

Adding to the already difficult process of voting, in 1996 Pope Benedict’s predecessor, Pope John Paul II, issued a decree. It had 92 guidelines for selecting a new pope. Outlining everything from the size of the paper on which the cardinals can vote to where the election of the new pope should take place.

The overall idea is to have the new pope elected in the next week or two. So he can be officially installed several days later to preside over the Holy Week ceremonies starting with Palm Sunday on March 24 and culminating in Easter the following Sunday.

Jordan is the Spirituality editor for Before its News,

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