Italy: The 115 elector cardinals who will go into conclave in a week's time to elect a successor to Pope John Paul II have opted to observe a media blackout.
Meeting on the day after the imposing funeral of the late Pope, the Congregation of Cardinals decided unanimously on Saturday on a media blackout, according to Vatican spokesman Dr Joaquin Navarro-Valls.
He added: "The cardinals have begun a period of silence and prayer.
"This should not be seen as a snub to the media but as a gesture of responsibility."
Given the unprecedented concentration of media interest in the Holy See, in the wake of the illness and death of John Paul II, such a move comes as no surprise.
Following the Pope's death on April 2nd, many cardinals last week expressed their concern at the negative impact that media interviews, briefings or even news conferences could have on the electoral process.
Cardinals McCarrick of Washington, George of Chicago and Murphy-O'Connor of Westminster all told The Irish Times it would be preferable if cardinals refrained from speculation about their ideal choice of successor to John Paul.
Many cardinals genuinely believe they need a period of calm and reflection before entering the conclave, while, on a more prosaic level, some are worried that media-savvy cardinals could unduly influence their fellow voters.
It was also confirmed at the weekend that the number of cardinals due to enter the conclave has dropped to 115.
This follows confirmation that ill health will prevent both Cardinal Jaime Sin of the Philippines and Cardinal Antonio Suarez Rivera of Monterrey, Mexico, from attending.
Answering a question about the possibility of immediately initiating the process of beatification of John Paul II, the Vatican spokesman said this would be a matter for his successor to "exclusively" decide.
The question had been prompted by the Santo Subito (Make him a saint immediately) banners and cries which featured throughout Friday's funeral ceremony.
Many Catholics feel that such was the impact, charisma and patent goodness of John Paul II that the Catholic Church should bystep its normal lengthy procedures on the road to canonisation and fast-track him to sainthood.
In that context, Cardinal Francesco Marchisano, high priest of the Vatican basilica, spoke on Saturday of how John Paul II had helped him recover from an operation on his carotid artery (in the neck).
Cardinal Marchisano was speaking in St Peter's basilica, where he celebrated the second of the Novemdiales (nine days) Masses which traditionally mark the period of mourning between the death of a pope and the election of his successor.
The Pope's funeral on Friday was the first of the Novemdiales Masses.
The last one will be celebrated next Saturday.