Vatican names Tagle to key conclave post

Luis Antonio Cardinal 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 (Rome time).

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

The Holy See Press Office said the 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.’

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

Tagle, Mamberti and Marx will assist the Camerlengo, Kevin Cardinal 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 the 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 from 9 a.m. to 12:25 p.m. (Rome time).