Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re delivered a homily before the papal conclave, stressing the importance of unity and the need for the next pope to awaken consciences. He emphasized the significance of prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in electing a pope who can lead the Church and humanity. Re highlighted that the new pope must safeguard fundamental human and spiritual values. He also underscored the importance of love, communion, and the need for the Church to be a home and school of communion. The conclave takes place amid global conflicts and a changing geopolitical landscape.
12 days ago
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, delivered a homily emphasizing the need for unity, love, and a Pope who can awaken consciences during the Mass preceding the 2025 papal conclave 2 3. He urged the cardinal electors to set aside personal considerations and seek a leader who embodies the love of Jesus Christ and can guide the Church through a complex and challenging period in history 3 4. The homily took place at St. Peter's Basilica, above the tomb of St. Peter, and was attended by cardinals preparing to elect Pope Francis' successor 2 4.
Cardinal Re stressed the importance of fostering communion at all levels: among Christians and Christ, bishops and the Pope, and among the bishops themselves 1 2 4. He described this communion as one directed towards unity among persons, peoples, and cultures, with the Church serving as a "home and school of communion" 1 4. This call for unity emphasizes maintaining the Church's path traced by Christ to the apostles, not as uniformity, but as a "firm and profound communion in diversity," firmly rooted in the Gospel 2 3 4.
A key aspect of Cardinal Re's message was the need for a Pope who can "awaken the consciences of all and awaken the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society" 2 4. He acknowledged the world's technological advancements but noted a tendency to "forget God," highlighting the Church's role in safeguarding fundamental human and spiritual values 2 4. This reflects a desire for a leader who can address the moral and spiritual challenges of the modern world.
Cardinal Re emphasized that "love is the only force capable of changing the world" 2 3 4. He drew from Jesus' commandment to "love one another as I have loved you," highlighting the boundless nature of this love, even extending to those who may betray 2 4. This love should characterize the actions of all disciples and contribute to building a "civilization of love," as Paul VI described 2 4.
The homily implicitly touched upon the triplex munera (threefold duties) of the Church: proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments, and exercising the ministry of charity 1. Cardinal Re's message suggests the new Pope should strive for balance among these duties, fostering communion through word, sacrament, and charity 1. The next Pope will embody Peter and his mission, representing Christ on earth as the rock upon which the Church is built 4.
This text discusses Cardinal Re's homily, which focuses on unity within the Church and the role of the Pope in awakening conscience. To provide a comprehensive understanding, I will elaborate on these key aspects based on Catholic teachings.
Here's an outline of the response:
The unity of the Church is a recurring theme in Catholic teachings. This unity is not merely a human construct but a gift from God, mirroring the unity of the Holy Trinity . As Pope John Paul II stated, "The promise we have from God is the promise of the unity which is the essence of himself" . This unity is a sharing in the communion of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit .
Several factors contribute to this unity:
This unity is not uniformity but a "unity in diversity," where different gifts and ministries contribute to the building up of the Body of Christ . The Second Vatican Council emphasized that division among Christians contradicts Christ's will, weakens the Church's mission, and "scandalizes the world" . Therefore, the search for unity is not optional but a duty inherent to the Christian community .
The Pope, as the Bishop of Rome and successor of St. Peter, holds a unique position in the Church, serving as "the perpetual, visible source and foundation of the unity of the Church" . This is because Christ made St. Peter the head of the Apostles and the visible head of the Church . The Pope's role includes:
The Pope's ministry is specifically his own on behalf of the entire Church . The Roman Pontiff can exercise his office personally or through the Roman Curia . The Pope's primacy is essential for maintaining the unity of faith and communion among believers . As the "teacher of all Christians," the Pope has the authority to "feed, rule, and govern the universal Church" .
Conscience, in Catholic teaching, is not merely a subjective feeling or personal opinion but "the voice of God resounding in the human heart" . It is "a judgment of reason whereby the human person recognizes the moral quality of a concrete act" .
The formation of conscience is a lifelong task that requires:
The Pope and the Magisterium play a crucial role in guiding the faithful in forming their consciences . The Church helps individuals avoid being swayed by deceitful doctrines and helps them attain certainty about the truth, especially in difficult matters . The Christian's conscience is enlightened through constant encounter with the Word of God and the teachings of the Magisterium . The Church does not undermine freedom of conscience but serves it by illuminating the truths it should possess .
In summary, Cardinal Re's homily highlights the critical importance of unity within the Church, the Pope's role as the guarantor of this unity, and the necessity for the Pope to awaken and guide the conscience of the faithful. These elements are deeply rooted in Catholic teachings, emphasizing the Church's mission to be a beacon of truth and unity in the world.