70 cardinals present for pope's last general audience
116 expected for conclave to begin
27 February, 15:44
(ANSA) - Vatican City, February 27 - There were about 70
cardinals at the pope's last general audience in Saint Peter's
Square on Wednesday, Vatican Spokesman Father Federico Lombardi
said.A total of 116 cardinals are expected to take part in the conclave to elect a new pope, which is forecast to begin in mid-March, or 15 days after the pope's formal resignation.
However, Benedict XVI issued a papal decree on Monday that says cardinals can bring forward the start of the conclave if all are present.
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