The letters of absence of the Indonesian and Scottish Cardinal-Electors were read and accepted by the assembled College of Cardinals. Following the explanation that the new motu proprio of Pope Benedict XVI allows for the anticipation of the date of the conclave if all Cardinal-Electors are present, they decided to hold the vote on the actual date of the beginning of the conclave to the 8th General Congregation this afternoon. Fr. Federico Lombardi said the probable date should be in the early days of the upcoming week, Mon.-Wed.[Source: Holy See Press Office briefing]
