Rome (CNN) -- The cardinals who must pick a
successor to Pope Benedict XVI after he steps down on February 28
could meet to make the decision sooner than thought, a Vatican
spokesman said Saturday.
The conclave, the meeting which will bring together
the 117 cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, could start before
March 15 if all the cardinals are already in Rome, Father Federico
Lombardi said.
Lombardi had previously said the conclave was likely
to start between March 15 and 19.
But he gave new details Saturday, saying that
because the pope had resigned rather than the conclave being
triggered by his death, there was scope for the time frame to be
brought forward.
The decision may not come until after Benedict's
departure and lies in the hands of the cardinals, he added.
Opinion: Pope Benedict shows true leadership by
resigning
Benedict is the first pope to step down in nearly
600 years, throwing the Vatican into some confusion.
Experts are working on points of the Apostolic
Constitution that need to be clarified or interpreted, Lombardi said,
and are expected to give pointers on the new protocol soon.
Lombardi said he had met with the pope Saturday
morning and found him "calm and relaxed even in these so
emotional days."
Benedict, 85, shocked the world Monday when
heannounced his intention to stand down at the end of the month,
citing the frailty of old age.
Read more: Huge challenges await next pope
While Benedict won't be directly involved in his
successor's selection, his influence will undoubtedly be felt. He
appointed 67 of the 117 cardinals that are set to make the decision.
