What we can expect from cardinals’ meeting

As we mentioned earlier, cardinals will be meeting this morning to make initial arrangements in preparation for Pope Francis’s funeral, as well as the conclave to select his successor.

The apostolic constitution sets out the “more urgent” decisions the clerics will need to make during this first summit, including:

• When the Pope’s body will be moved to St Peter’s Basilica to be exposed “for the homage of the faithful”
• The date and time of the funeral – which should take place “between the fourth and sixth day after death”
• Where the 135 Cardinals travelling to the Vatican to take part in the conclave will be lodged – usually the House of St Martha
• Which two ecclesiastics will present “two well-prepared meditations” on which problems are currently facing the Catholic Church and what considerations should be taken when selecting the next Pope
• Discuss funeral expenses as well as read any document Francis left behind for the cardinals
• When the conclave will be held – normally between 15 and 20 days after the death of the pontiff