This morning, at 9.00, the Eighth General Congregation began with the usual prayer. More than 180 Cardinals were present, of whom over 120 were electors. During the session, the presence of some cardinals who arrived today was announced, and they took their oath at 10.30, during the break.

During the course of the morning, 25 Cardinals took the floor.

The contributions addressed topics of particular relevance for the future of the Church. It was stressed that evangelization was the heart of Pope Francis’ pontificate: an evangelizing Church of fraternal communion, capable of speaking especially to the younger generations.

Particular attention was addressed to the Churches of the East, marked by suffering but also by a strong witness of faith.

Several contributions highlighted the urgency of communicating the Gospel in an effective way at all levels of ecclesial life, from the parishes to the Curia, recalling that the witness of mutual love is the first proclamation, as the Gospel reminds us.

Some elements of counter-witness were also recalled, such as sexual abuse and financial scandals.

Matteo Bruni reported that these issues were faced as a “wound” to be kept “open”, so that awareness of the problem remains alive and concrete paths for its healing can be identified.

Other themes that emerged included: the centrality of the liturgy, the importance of canon law, and the value of synodality, interpreted in its relationship with mission, collegiality and overcoming secularism.

Finally, there was a reflection on the hermeneutics of continuity between the pontificates of Saint John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, as well as on the role of the Eucharist, also in the Church’s evangelizing mission.

The proceedings ended at 12:30.

It was confirmed that two Cardinal Electors, who have informed the College, will not participate in the Conclave: Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera, archbishop emeritus of Valencia, and Cardinal John Njue, metropolitan archbishop emeritus of Nairobi, Kenya. At present, four Cardinal Electors are still expected to arrive in Rome.

During the meeting with journalists, the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, refuted the hypothesis of Cardinal Pietro Parolin falling ill, specifying that no such incident had occurred. He also denied the involvement of medical or nursing staff.

During the day, the chimney was installed on the roof of the Sistine Chapel. Further information regarding technical tests may be communicated at a later date.

The Sistine Chapel will be closed to the public on Sunday. During these days, staff are working to complete the preparations for the Conclave.