The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told reporters on Monday that all 179 cardinals, including 132 cardinal electors, participated in the tenth General Congregation.

He noted that all 133 cardinal electors are present in Rome ahead of the conclave, which begins on May 7.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, informed the Congregation that Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell drew lots Saturday afternoon to assign the cardinals’ rooms. All will be housed in Casa Santa Marta and the former Santa Marta.

The cardinal electors, Mr. Bruni said, will be able to travel from the Casa Santa Marta to the Sistine Chapel as they wish, even on foot, but along a protected route.

On Monday morning, there were 26 interventions in the Congregation, covering the following topics:

– Canon law and the role of the Vatican City State;

– The missionary nature of the Church;

– The role of Caritas in defending the poor;

– The presence of so many journalists was highlighted, seen as a sign that the Gospel has meaning for today’s world, as a call to responsibility;

– Prayer during the COVID pandemic was recalled, as an open door to hope in times of fear;

– Regarding the new Pope: many expect a pastor close to the people, a door of communion, who will unite everyone in the blood of Christ, in a world where the global order is in crisis;

– The challenges of transmitting the faith, caring for creation, war, and a fragmented world were discussed;

– Concern was expressed about divisions within the Church;

– The role of women in the Church, in the context of synodality;

– Vocations, the family, and the education of children were addressed;

– Reference was made to the documents of the Second Vatican Council, especially Dei Verbum, on how the Word of God is nourishment for the People of God.

Bruni said that every effort is being made during the General Congregations to ensure that all Cardinals who wish to speak have the opportunity to do so.

Work on the Sistine Chapel, as well as on the accommodations of the two Casa Santa Marta, has largely been completed, and cardinals will be able to register starting Tuesday morning.

Journalists, Bruni said, will not be able to visit the Sistine Chapel, as the Vatican Gendarmerie has already secured it. However, he noted, images showing the prepared interior will be released.