The Pontifical Mission Societies USA has initiated a prayer campaign to encourage Catholics to pray for the cardinal electors participating in the upcoming papal conclave. Participants will be assigned a specific cardinal to pray for and will receive information about the cardinal. The conclave, scheduled to begin on May 7th, will involve 135 cardinal electors. The progress of the voting will be indicated by the color of smoke released after each vote.
9 days ago
The Pontifical Mission Societies USA has launched a prayer campaign inviting Catholics to pray for the cardinal electors who will participate in the upcoming papal conclave 1 2. The campaign, encourages Catholics to put "faith into action" through prayer as the cardinals prepare to elect the next Pope 1.
Participants can enroll on the Pontifical Missions Societies' website and will be assigned a specific cardinal elector to pray for 1. Enrollees receive the assigned cardinal's name, birthplace, and birthday 1 2. A suggested prayer is also provided: "Heavenly Father, guide the cardinals in wisdom and love as they may lead your Church. May your will be their compass. Amen" 1 2.
Msgr. Roger Landry, the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies USA, emphasized the transformative power of prayer in the selection process 1. He noted that the selection of a Pope is an act of the entire Church, not just the voting cardinals 2. Msgr. Landry described the Pope as the Catholic Church’s “chief missionary” 1.
The conclave to elect the successor to Pope Francis will begin on May 7 1 2. The 135 cardinal electors will commence their deliberations in the Sistine Chapel following a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica 1. The progress of the conclave will be indicated by white smoke (a new Pope has been selected) or black smoke (another vote is needed) 1.
The Church encourages prayer, especially during the election of a new Pope, so that the Cardinals may be divinely assisted in their task . The Cardinals themselves are also encouraged to pray for divine assistance .
Prayer is essential to the Christian life, and the Church encourages all to pray, especially during the election of a new Pope. This ensures that the Cardinals are divinely assisted in their task of choosing the most suitable person to govern the universal Church.