Cardinals end pre-conclave meetings, ready to choose a new pope

VATICAN CITY (AP) — The cardinals who'll decide on a successor to Pope Benedict have wrapped up their pre-conclave discussions.

Vatican Officials say they voted to end their deliberations even though some still wanted to speak. Spokesman The Reverend Thomas Rosica (roh-SEE'-kah) says most felt they had "enough information."

The cardinal electors begin their conclave tomorrow -- proceeding into the Sistine Chapel, whose doors will be shut before balloting begins.

Since last Monday, cardinals have been airing their thoughts on what kind of man to choose -- a strong manager to overhaul a scandal-plagued Vatican bureaucracy, or a charismatic priest who can inspire the faithful.

In this morning's session, the cadinals got a rundown on efforts to clean up after one of those scandals: allegations of money laundering at the Vatican bank.

%@AP Links

166-c-18-(Mark Smith, AP correspondent)-"interational banking standards"-AP correspondent Mark Smith reports the cardinals got a rundown this morning on the scandal-plagued Vatican Bank. (11 Mar 2013)

<<CUT *166 (03/11/13)>> 00:18 "interational banking standards"

168-a-10-(The Reverend Thomas Rosica (roh-SEE'-kah), Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-"to the congregations"-Vatican spokesman the Reverend Thomas Rosica says the cardinals who'll choose the next pope have wrapped up their pre-conclave discussions. (11 Mar 2013)

<<CUT *168 (03/11/13)>> 00:10 "to the congregations"

169-a-13-(Reverend Thomas Rosica (roh-SEE'-kah), Vatican spokesman, at news conference)-"was addressed particularly"-Vatican spokesman Reverend Thomas Rosica says the final pre-conclave session centered on the qualities the next pontiff will need. (11 Mar 2013)

<<CUT *169 (03/11/13)>> 00:13 "was addressed particularly"

165-w-36-(Mark Smith, AP correspondent, with the Reverend Thomas Rosica, Vatican spokesman)--Cardinals have wrapped up their last meeting before tomorrow's conclave to select a successor to Pope Benedict XVI. AP correspondent Mark Smith reports. (11 Mar 2013)

<<CUT *165 (03/11/13)>> 00:36