Cardinals Summoned to the Vatican to Pick Next Pope

Conclave to begin on Monday

The Vatican on Friday officially summoned cardinals to the Holy See to begin preparations for electing the new leader of the Catholic Church, a day after Benedict XVI resigned to a life of seclusion.

Angelo Sodano, Dean of the College of Cardinals, set the first General Congregation of Cardinals for Monday at 9.30 a.m. (2 p.m. IST). A second meeting is slated for 5 p.m. (9.30 p.m. IST) the same day.