Benedict may allow the conclave to being sooner after his abdicationSome Cardinals think it doesn't make sense for the the conclave to be delayed after Benedict's abdication in the same way it would after a Pope's death. A Vatican spokesman said Benedict was considering changing the rules. Reuters reports:
Pope Benedict may change Church rules governing the conclave where cardinals from around the world will meet next month to secretly elect his successor, the Vatican said on Wednesday.
Benedict was studying the possibility of making changes to two laws established by his predecessor Pope John Paul before he abdicates on February 28, a spokesman said.
The changes may affect the timing of the start of the conclave.
Spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said Benedict was considering making changes that would "harmonize" two documents approved by his predecessor.
