Cardinals resumed pre-conclave meetings Wednesday to determine the guidelines on how to choose the next pope.
The discussions are designed to allow the cardinals to get to know each other, while sketching a profile of the next pope and discussing the needs of the Catholic church.
"I don't think they are able to announce the beginning of the conclave until they have a sense that the business is coming to an end," Justin Cardinal Rigali told reporters.
"But, I think that - certainly my impression, and I think many cardinals would agree with me - that all of us are, we certainly don't want to delay this in any way."
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI remains at the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo while cardinals pick his successor.
The cardinals are hoping to have a new pope in place by holy week.
The conclave cannot begin until all voting age cardinals arrive. As of Wednesday, 113 of the 115 were in attendance.
A Vatican spokesman says they are confident the remaining cardinals will arrive in the coming days.
As for learning more about the process, some of the cardinals have opted to remain quiet. The 11 American cardinals canceled their daily interviews and press briefings Wednesday, citing a recent leak about the secret proceedings to an Italian newspaper.
Under church law, the cardinals have until March 20 to start a conclave, however, they can decide to start it earlier.
FOX 29's Iain Page will be in Rome next week to bring you coverage of this historic event. We'll take you behind the scenes and cover all the angles of selecting a new pope on FOX 29 News.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:27 PM EDT2013-05-24 03:27:11 GMT
The Boy Scouts of America throws open its ranks to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders - a compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors.
The Boy Scouts of America throws open its ranks to gay Scouts but not gay Scout leaders - a fiercely contested compromise that some warned could fracture the organization and lead to mass defections of members and donors.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:10 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:10:26 GMT
"If I die please take me to Heaven not to Hell." After a near death experience 12-year-old Ibn Anderson showed us how he got down on one knee and prayed for his life. Bandages hide the bullet wounds from
"If I die please take me to Heaven not to Hell." After a near death experience 12-year-old Ibn Anderson showed us how he got down on one knee and prayed for his life. Bandages hide the bullet wounds from
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:04 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:04:43 GMT
If you think a high school sophomore and an 88 year old World War II veteran wouldn't have a lot in common. Think again. When Joseph Blaisse was looking for his final Eagle Scout project he thought of
If you think a high school sophomore and an 88 year old World War II veteran wouldn't have a lot in common. Think again.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:25 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:25:16 GMT
The Philadelphia Parking Authority gets caught on tape breaking the rules, or so it appears. The PPA responds to a video that has gone viral in Philly.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority gets caught on tape breaking the rules, or so it appears. The PPA responds to a video that has gone viral in Philly.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:49 PM EDT2013-05-23 22:49:28 GMT
Your Friday will feature steadier showers and thunderstorms early giving way to scattered showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. We reach an early High of 64, followed by falling temperatures. Winds pick up out of the NW 10 to 15 mph. Right now the Memorial Day Weekend looks cool with highs in the low to mid 60s.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:03 PM EDT2013-05-23 21:03:32 GMT
Investigators allege that bars and restaurants in New Jersey disguised cheap booze, or worse, as the expensive stuff and made you pay the higher price.
Investigators allege that bars and restaurants in New Jersey disguised cheap booze, or worse, as the expensive stuff and made you pay the higher price.
Several cardinals arrive for pre-conclave meetings Wednesday in Vatican City.
