VATICAN CITY -
Cardinals opened their first round of formal
talks with a prayer.
Before discussions began everyone took
an oath of secrecy in all matters dealing with the election of the next Pope.
These meeting are intended to give
cardinals time to discuss the qualities they expect from the new Pope. The date
to begin the voting process, known as the conclave, has not been set.
115 cardinals under the age of 80 get to
vote, but 207 are present and able to comment during discussions. Experts say the
jockeying for votes has already begun.
U.S. cardinals say the new Pope must be
ready to face the sex abuse scandal and its victims.
And while it could be days before a new
Pope is chosen, three sets of Papal robes are ready. The family owned tailor
shop that has been dressing the Pope for two centuries will soon ship small,
medium and large vestments to the Vatican, because there will be no time to
make them once the new Pope is elected.
The Cardinals agreed to send a message
to retired Pope Benedict. They say the text of the note is still being worked
on.
