Conclave Approaches for New Pope; Italian Press Breach Embargo

Security for the preparations of the upcoming Conclave, in which Cardinals will elect a new Pope, has already been breached by Italian press who have published some secret information in addition to other speculative information.

Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the dean of the College of Cardinals, decided that the text of the lecture given to Cardinals as the part of spiritual preparation for upcoming selection of new pope should not be published.

However, Italian press have defied Ratzinger's orders and have released some excerpts from the lecture from official preacher of the pontifical household Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa. The developments have come out even though the Vatican laid an embargo upon information connected to the issue of conclave.

Rev Cantalamessa, however said, "Cardinals must guard against transforming Pentecost into a Babel, as (this) happens when one looks for personal affirmation."

"They ought to only search for the glory of God and the realisation of his reign."

Rev. Cantalamessa is an open critic of Curia, the central government of Roman Catholic Church, stating that there were "too many clerics are careerist and (they) are overly driven by worldly ambition."

Speculation on who will be the next Pope has been a main feature in the media over this past week. Cardinals Joseph Ratzinger and Angelo Sodano hold the status of front-runners, but many rumours have been appearing about many Cardinals as the date of the Conclave draws near.

It is rumoured that the conservative, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi's supporters have joined forces with liberal Cardinals such as Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini against Cardinal Ratzinger, the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Another candidate - Cardinal Sodano, the Vatican's business-like secretary of state may be the sign that the Cardinal-electors want a "pope who'll focus more on the internal workings of the Vatican and the needs of particular regions," as George Weigel, the official biographer of the late Pope John Paul II said.

Roman Catholic Church members believe the selection of new Pope will be guided by the Holy Spirit. This is the reason why electors are forbidden to make agreements for or against any candidate and should not be swayed by outside forces or even by their own personal opinions.

Many Cardinals refuse to speak to media during the process of preparating for the Conclave.

"It's not the time to give interviews," Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn said, "it's the time to pray and say thanks to the great Holy Father for this great Pope and what he as given to us and to the whole world."

The Conclave will begin on Monday 18 April, and under new arrangements the location for the election has changed from the Sistine Chapel to the recently renovated Santa Martha residence in Vatican City.