Vatican rush criticized over post-pope congregation timing
Cardinal Joseph Zen from Hong Kong expressed dissatisfaction with the Vatican's decision to convene a congregation the day after Pope Francis's death. He emphasized the difficulties cardinals from distant countries would face in trying to reach Rome on time.
What you need to know?
- Cardinal Joseph Zen from Hong Kong criticized the Vatican for quickly convening the general congregation the day after Pope Francis's death.
- The congregation is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at 3:00 AM EDT, making it difficult for cardinals from distant countries, such as those in the Americas or Africa, to arrive on time.
- Pope Francis died on Monday at 1:35 AM EDT at the age of 88 due to a stroke and cardiac collapse.
Critical voice from Hong Kong
Cardinal Joseph Zen from Hong Kong expressed his dissatisfaction with the Vatican's decision to convene the first general congregation so quickly, the day after Pope Francis's death.
Zen emphasized that cardinals from distant countries might have difficulty reaching Rome in such a short time. "Cardinal Zen would like to know why the first session of the General Congregations has to start so early," wrote the retired bishop of Hong Kong in a statement posted on social media.
"How are the old men from the peripheries supposed to arrive on time?" he asked. "There is the kind word reminding them that they do not have the duty to attend, but they have the right - yes or no?" questioned the 93-year-old Cardinal Zen.
The cardinal referred to a letter from Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, sent on Monday, in which he called on cardinals to come to Rome for the congregation already scheduled for Tuesday at 3:00 AM EDT. Congregations are meetings of cardinals held before the conclave, where decisions are made regarding the next steps.
Clergy from outside Europe excluded?
The decision to quickly convene the congregation has caused disappointment among cardinals from abroad, to whom Pope Francis paid special attention during his pontificate.
The Silere Non Possum portal notes that clergy from both the Americas and Africa may not make it on time, raising questions about the possibility of full participation in decisions related to the transfer of the body and the date of the funeral. In the past, after Benedict XVI's resignation, congregations began only after a few days.
Pope Francis died on Monday at 1:35 AM EDT at the age of 88; the cause of death was a stroke, coma, and irreversible cardiac collapse.
