Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re to Lead Pope Francis' Funeral Amid Cardinal Conclave Preparations

At 91 years old, Cardinal Re is tasked with presiding over the funeral of Pope Francis and guiding the preparatory meetings leading up to the papal conclave. While he won't participate in the election process due to age restrictions, his experience and traditional approach are expected to shape the discourse among the cardinals.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, aged 91, is set to preside over Pope Francis' funeral this Saturday, stepping into a pivotal role following the Pope's passing. Unlike the fictional portrayals in media, the real-life dean of the College of Cardinals has navigated his career primarily within the Roman curia, attending to various ecclesiastical duties. Though he won't be eligible to vote in the subsequent conclave—only cardinals below 80 can cast ballots—his influence during this transitional period holds significant weight.

Cardinal Re has already summoned cardinals to the Vatican to discuss logistics surrounding the funeral and to convene congregational meetings. These gatherings, commencing earlier in the week, are essential for planning the funeral rites as well as addressing pressing church matters. They also serve as a forum to shape the upcoming conclave’s agenda, where cardinals will eventually select the next pope. As noted by expert John Allen, “the sausage of a papal election really gets ground” during these deliberations.

Historically, these meetings have had notable implications, as seen during the 2013 conclave when Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio delivered a transformative speech stressing the church's outreach efforts to marginalized communities. This address played a critical role in his election as Pope Francis. Similarly, the contributions made during these preparatory sessions may influence future decisions, albeit not always in predictable patterns.

Though it's unlikely that Cardinal Re will emerge as the next pope, given his advanced age, his role remains crucial. Renowned for his ability to handle such meetings in a serious and traditional manner, he is expected to facilitate an orderly and respectful discourse among the cardinals, per Allen’s insights.

After the conclave commences, the role of dean becomes largely ceremonial. When it comes time to vote, the responsibility to preside will transfer to the oldest voting cardinal bishop. In the past, Cardinal Re stepped in for the then-dean during the election of Pope Francis, marking his continuing involvement in pivotal moments of the Church's leadership transitions.