A commission made up of clergy and lay experts has urged the cardinals meeting in Rome this week ahead of the conclave starting Wednesday to focus on the importance of truth, setting aside concerns about scandals. The commission's president, Cardinal Sean O'Malley, has emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and justice in the Church.
The conclave in the Vatican is about to begin, and it is reported that drivers and elevator operators are prepared for the occasion. All support staff for the cardinals who will elect the successor to Pope Francis have taken an oath of secrecy on Monday, in a ceremony at the Pauline Chapel of the Vatican. Those who break the oath will face automatic excommunication.
The cardinals, who will be staying in residences within the Vatican grounds, will be isolated and available for any emergencies during the conclave. Security has been reinforced, and cardinals have been urged to leave their mobile phones in their residences to maintain the confidentiality of the deliberations.
The oath of the conclave, established in Vatican law and strengthened by previous popes, requires participants to maintain absolute secrecy about what happens during the election process. The laypersons designated to support the cardinals are also subject to this strict oath.
In parallel, the Vatican's Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors has urged the cardinals not to overlook the issue of clerical sexual abuse when choosing a new Pope. The importance of acting on behalf of the victims and maintaining accountability, transparency, and justice in the Church has been underscored.
The sexual abuse scandal has affected the credibility of the Catholic Church in several countries, and although measures have been taken, a culture of impunity persists. The commission has reminded the cardinals of their responsibility to the victims and the need to address this serious issue as a priority.
