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.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:39 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:39:12 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:01 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:01:42 GMT
Thursday weather looks damp and stormy. It will be mild and muggy to start with spotty showers early followed by afternoon and evening storms. Highs in the upper 70s with winds out of the SW 5-10 mph. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rain and gusty winds.
This system is from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. It will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:30:01 GMT
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
New Jersey says it's cracking down on bars and restaurants amid claims that they're substituting premium alcoholic beverage brands with "well brand spirits," unbeknownst to customers.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:09 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:09:44 GMT
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say they're looking for the public's help to find a man seen on surveillance video firing an AK-47 into a car and a gentleman's club earlier this month in Southwest Philadelphia.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:49 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:49:38 GMT
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Wow! Doylestown really rolled out the welcome mat (and a real red carpet) this morning when Good Day's Jenn Frederick came to town!We chose Doylestown as one of the places to visit in our series called
Several cardinals arrive for pre-conclave meetings Wednesday in Vatican City.
