VATICAN CITY -
Cardinals held a 2nd day of discussions inside
the Vatican focusing on the future needs of the Church. But the big decision
about when to start the conclave to vote for a new Pope has not been made.
The cardinals are also asking for
information about how the Vatican is managed, saying they want to get to the
bottom of corruption allegations.
Boston Cardinal Sean O'Malley believes
the current talks may shorten the conclave.
Preparations for the conclave are well
underway here in Vatican City. The Sistine Chapel, where the voting takes
place, is now closed to the public.
Crews need to set up two stoves to burn
the secret ballots, along with desks for the Cardinals.
The cardinals swear themselves to
secrecy, but non-Vatican types don't take an oath. So Vatican security forces
will sweep the Sistine Chapel for any hidden microphones and jamming devices
will be installed under a false floor to detect cell phones or other electronic
devices.
The Cardinals also signed off on a
telegram sent to Pope Emeritus Benedict thanking him for his "brilliant"
ministry and untiring work.
