Cardinals conversing

The Globe's David Ryan was among a select group of photographers admitted to the first few minutes of today's "reflection and prayer" gathering of the cardinals and the cardinals-designate with Pope Benedict XVI.

In a brief statement (more to come later) the Vatican said "During the meeting there will be free discussions and exchanges of opinion among the participants, in a manner similar to the congregations of cardinals prior to last year's conclave.''

Here's David's overview of the scene:

And here's his picture of the smiling pontiff, getting ready for serious business.

And here's a photo of one of the participants, who may look familiar to some of you: Cardinal Bernard F. Law, the former archbishop of Boston and current archpriest of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.

More later...