As the dean of the College of Cardinals, 91-year-old Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re will preside over the funeral of Pope Francis this Saturday. Although not eligible to vote in the upcoming papal conclave due to age restrictions, Cardinal Re's role remains crucial as he manages the cardinal meetings leading up to the conclave.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re to Lead Funeral for Pope Francis
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re to Lead Funeral for Pope Francis
Cardinal Re will oversee the funeral proceedings, marking a significant moment in the transition of the papacy.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the current dean of the College of Cardinals, is set to preside over Pope Francis' funeral this Saturday, amidst a period of transition for the Catholic Church. At 91 years old, Cardinal Re, an Italian born and raised within the Roman curia, has dedicated his life to the service of the Church. While the fictional portrayal of a cardinal in the movie “Conclave” may evoke images of a middle-aged leader, Cardinal Re bucks that trend with his extensive experience.
Leading up to the funeral, Cardinal Re has taken charge by summoning cardinals to Rome and overseeing their meetings, which began earlier this week. These sessions not only help organize funeral logistics but also foster discussions that may influence the topics and agenda of the forthcoming conclave. Renowned Catholic Church expert John Allen has indicated that these gatherings are crucial in shaping the direction of a papal election.
Cardinal Re’s previous experience has seen him play a pivotal role in the election of Pope Francis in 2013, where then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio's impactful speech in one of these meetings was central to his ascent. Although Cardinal Re is not expected to become pope himself, he carries significant weight within the Catholic establishment and is anticipated to lead the meetings with a traditional and respectful demeanor.
As the conclave approaches, the dynamics will shift, with Cardinal Re stepping back from voting duties to focus on his ceremonial responsibilities. When the voting begins, the oldest cardinal bishop who can cast a ballot will preside over the proceedings. In 2013, Cardinal Re assisted in guiding the election after stepping in for the then-dean. His role throughout this period remains essential for a smooth transition following Pope Francis' passing.
Leading up to the funeral, Cardinal Re has taken charge by summoning cardinals to Rome and overseeing their meetings, which began earlier this week. These sessions not only help organize funeral logistics but also foster discussions that may influence the topics and agenda of the forthcoming conclave. Renowned Catholic Church expert John Allen has indicated that these gatherings are crucial in shaping the direction of a papal election.
Cardinal Re’s previous experience has seen him play a pivotal role in the election of Pope Francis in 2013, where then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio's impactful speech in one of these meetings was central to his ascent. Although Cardinal Re is not expected to become pope himself, he carries significant weight within the Catholic establishment and is anticipated to lead the meetings with a traditional and respectful demeanor.
As the conclave approaches, the dynamics will shift, with Cardinal Re stepping back from voting duties to focus on his ceremonial responsibilities. When the voting begins, the oldest cardinal bishop who can cast a ballot will preside over the proceedings. In 2013, Cardinal Re assisted in guiding the election after stepping in for the then-dean. His role throughout this period remains essential for a smooth transition following Pope Francis' passing.
