Pope Benedict XVI leads his last Angelus prayer before stepping down in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican
© Osservatore Romano / Reuters
Pope Benedict XVI leads his last Angelus prayer before stepping down in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican February 24, 2013. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano
updated 2/25/2013 7:05:24 AM ET 2013-02-25T12:05:24

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict has changed Roman Catholic Church law regulating the conclave that will elect his successor, meaning it can start earlier, the Vatican said on Monday.

The change to a constitution by his predecessor John Paul means the cardinals no longer have to wait 15 days after the papacy becomes vacant on February 28 before they start the conclave.

The conclave can now start before March 15.

(Reporting By Philip Pullella)

(c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2013. Check for restrictions at: http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp

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