Cardinal Tagle to assist Camerlengo in conclave preparations

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been chosen by lottery for a rotating post to assist the Camerlengo, or caretaker of the papal household, in preparations for the conclave that will elect the next pope.

Tagle joined the "Particular Congregation," the composition of which was renewed during the fifth pre-conclave meeting of cardinals known as the "General Congregation" on Monday, 28 April (Rome time).

The other cardinals whose names were drawn were Cardinal Reinhard Marx, the archbishop of Munich and Freising, and French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, prefect of the Apostolic Signatura.

Marx will serve as the coordinator of the Council for the Economy. Mamberti, meanwhile, will also be tasked with announcing the new pope from the central loggia of St. Peter's Basilica.

Tagle, Mamberti, and Marx will assist the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, in preparing for the conclave to elect Pope Francis' successor, which is set to begin on 7 May.

Over 180 cardinals, including non-electors, gathered for Monday’s general congregation.

The Holy See Press Office said cardinals “had the opportunity to speak about the Church, its relationship with the world, the challenges that arise and the qualities of the new Pope.”

The Vatican said other topics included “evangelization, relations with other faiths, and the issue of abuse.” There were about 20 interventions during the general congregation held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. (Rome time).