Now that we have celebrated Pope Francis’ funeral and have almost completed the days of mourning the Church turns to the election of a new Pope. For some this will be the first election of a new Pope following the death of the previous one, because when Francis was elected Benedict XVI was still alive. The conclave functions much in the same way, though some updates were made to streamline the process. The Cardinal electors will spend a few days getting to know one another and then the voting for a new Pope will begin. Remember this is less of the political game the secular media makes it out to be and much more guided by the Holy Spirit. In this time, we should add our prayers to those of the wider Church. I ask all of you to please pray this prayer every day until our new Pope has been confirmed.

O God, who in your wondrous love watches over your Church, fill the cardinal-electors with your Holy Spirit to strengthen and inspire them as they choose a new Holy Father to lead us.

May they choose a shepherd for your Church who will please you in his holiness and guide his flock with love and watchful care, especially for the sick, the poor and the vulnerable.

We pray that your Holy Spirit will hover over the one who is chosen to strengthen him to be a messenger of love, peace and unity in our world.

We offer our prayer through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Prayers Always,
Fr. Joseph