Cardinals from around the world convened in St. Peter's Basilica for a Mass preceding the papal conclave. The service, led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, focused on the unity of the Church and the importance of prayer. The homily urged the cardinals to set aside personal considerations and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in choosing the next pope. The Mass served as a spiritual preparation for the cardinals as they prepared to elect Pope Francis' successor, with the need for a good pastor highlighted. The event underscored the significance of the conclave and the future of the Catholic Church.
27 days ago
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, delivered a homily emphasizing the need for unity within the Church during the Mass "Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice" 1 5. He urged the cardinal electors to seek a Pope who could "awaken the consciences of all and the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society" 1. Cardinal Re stressed that this unity "does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity, provided that full fidelity to the Gospel is maintained" 1 4. He reminded them that they were at a "difficult and complex turning point in history" 3 6.
The Mass, held in St. Peter's Basilica, saw cardinals from over 70 countries gather to participate in the solemn liturgy 1 5. Over 200 cardinals concelebrated the Mass, including many of the 133 eligible to vote in the conclave 1. The prayers and readings during the Mass emphasized the need for a good shepherd to lead the Church 3. The Mass included scripture readings from Isaiah, Ephesians, and the Gospel of John 1 5.
Prayers during the Mass were offered in multiple languages, including French, Swahili, Portuguese, Malayalam, Chinese, and German 1 5. These prayers implored the Holy Spirit to fill the cardinal electors with "understanding and good counsel, wisdom and discernment" 1. Cardinal Re specifically prayed for "a shepherd who will instruct your people by his virtues and imbue the minds of the faithful with the truth of the Gospel" 1 5. The congregation sang the Regina Caeli, a traditional Easter hymn to the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the end of the Mass 1 5.
Following the Mass, the cardinal electors prepared to enter the Sistine Chapel to begin the conclave 1 3. They were reminded of the weight of their decision and the importance of setting aside personal considerations 3 4. Cardinal Re referenced Pope John Paul II's Roman Triptych, noting how Michelangelo's image of Jesus the Judge in the Sistine Chapel should remind them of their responsibility 1 4. The cardinals would take an oath of secrecy and invoke the Holy Spirit before casting their first vote 1.
How does the Church define and ensure its unity?
The College of Cardinals gathers for Mass, emphasizing unity and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit as they prepare for the Conclave to elect a new Pope.
The Cardinals recognize the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit, who guides and enlivens the Church . The Holy Spirit sustains the hope of God’s people and supports the witness of Christians . Pope John XXIII showed openness to the Holy Spirit in convening the Second Vatican Council, allowing himself to be led as a servant-leader . The Cardinals invoke the Holy Spirit to understand God's plan and word, to be witnesses of Jesus Christ, and to receive courage and guidance .
The Cardinals are called to holiness, which is not primarily their own work but the fruit of docility to the Holy Spirit . They are encouraged to avoid habits typical of a royal court, such as intrigue, gossip, cliques, favoritism, and partiality, and instead adopt the language of the Gospel . Conversion is the attitude expected of a Cardinal .
The Cardinals are urged to remain united in Christ and among themselves, supporting the Pope with prayers, advice, and help . This unity is rooted in love, which binds all members of Christ's Body . The special communion between the Cardinals and the Pope makes them cooperators in tending to Christ's sheep and uniting people with Christ's love .
The Cardinals are called to serve the Gospel and help the Church radiate Christ’s love in the world . Their ministry is a gift of Christ to humanity, building up His body and transforming the world into communion with the Lord . They are to proclaim the "year of favor from the Lord" through their words, lives, and the sacraments .
The Cardinals pray for a new Pope who will guide them to the knowledge of Christ, to His love, and to true joy . They seek a Pastor according to God's own heart .