In a symbolic gesture, Pope Francis’s fisherman’s ring and lead seal were broken on Tuesday in the presence of 173 cardinals, one day before the conclave to elect the new Pope. The breaking of the ring, typically done after a Pope’s death, was performed by a laywoman using a chisel. According to Matteo Bruni, director of the Vatican Press Office, the delay in breaking the ring was not due to any official reason, but perhaps to allow the cardinals to come together and reflect.
The cardinals gathered for their final general congregation before the conclave, with 130 of the 133 cardinal electors participating. During the meeting, 26 cardinals spoke on various topics, including Pope Francis’s reforms, synodality, and the need for ecclesial communion. They also discussed the legacy of Pope Francis and the qualities required of the new Pope, emphasizing the need for a “bridge-builder” and a “pope of mercy” in a world at war. The conclave is set to begin on Wednesday, where the cardinals will elect the next Pope.