conclave in 2005. We 'll continue briefings, but without cardinals, to help U.S. media especially cover this exciting moment in the church, Walsh added. It's been a week since Benedict XVI became the first pontiff in six centuries to resign from the role. Popes usually serve until their death. With Easter around the corner, many inside the Catholic Church would like to see a new pontiff in place to lead ceremonies. Watch for the smoke: How is a new pope elected ? ` Mix and mingle ' All the cardinals, including those older than 80, are entitled to take part in the closed-door general congregations. Lombardi said 152 cardinals met Thursday morning. A second meeting will take place in the afternoon, as the cardinals seek to pick up the pace before agreeing on the date for the conclave. Thursday morning's business included reports on the financial state of the Holy See, Lombardi said. He named the cardinals who delivered the reports but did not reveal their contents. The cardinals could continue their meetings on Saturday, Lombardi added, but are unlikely to meet Sunday when Mass may be held. Interactive: A look at possible papal contenders Some of the discussions happen over coffee, as one Vatican spokesman revealed Monday, the first day of the general congregations. There's a coffee break for about 30 minutes at a special buffet area in the front part of the audience hall,