Pope decree allows earlier conclave: Vatican
- Published: 25 Feb 2013 at 19.43
- Online news: World
Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree on Monday allowing cardinals to bring forward a conclave to elect his successor, as the resignation of a top cardinal and deepening intrigue in the Vatican clouded the run-up to the vote.
Pope Benedict XVI celebrates his last Sunday prayers before stepping down, on February 24, 2013 at St Peter's Square in Vatican city. Pope Benedict XVI issued a decree on Monday allowing cardinals to bring forward a conclave to elect his successor, as the resignation of a top cardinal and deepening intrigue in the Vatican overshadowed the run-up to the vote.
"I leave the College of Cardinals the possibility to bring forward the start of the conclave once all cardinals are present," said the pope, who steps down on Thursday.
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