Cardinals Arrive in Rome for Conclave

One of the arriving cardinals is the Pakistani Joseph Coutts, who is only eligible to vote until his 80th birthday on July 21st. He was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in 2018. Cardinal Vinko Puljić will participate in the conclave, contrary to previous reports. He dismissed reports claiming he would cast his vote at the Santa Marta guesthouse due to health issues. Puljić stated that although he needs assistance entering the Sistine Chapel, he can participate in the election.

Two Cardinals Absent from Conclave Due to Health Reasons

Two cardinals will not be present at the conclave due to health reasons. According to media reports, these are the Spaniard Antonio Cañizares Llovera and the Kenyan John Njue. With 133 papal electors participating in the conclave, this means that the quorum of two-thirds of the votes required to elect the new pontiff decreases from 90 to 89.

The general congregation of cardinals, which is preparing for the conclave, will meet again on Friday and Saturday to continue the discussion about the future of the church. A debate on the reforms initiated by Pope Francis is expected.

The German Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Müller reiterated his opposition to a greater opening of the church towards the LGBTQ world in an interview with the Italian daily "Fatto Quotidiano." The Singaporean Cardinal William Goh expressed in interviews his hope for a church that cares not only for Catholics but for the well-being of the entire society.

(APA/Red)

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