Pope Francis has died and is buried… now what? At certain rare and sacred moments in the life of the church, the faithful around the world are called to turn their hearts and prayers toward a very special event - the CONCLAVE. But what exactly is a conclave and why is it so important? The word conclave comes from the Latin, cum clave, meaning “with a key,” signifying the secrecy and solemnity of the gathering. A conclave is the meeting of the College of Cardinals, called together after the death or resignation of a pope, to elect his successor. The Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. They are locked away from the outside world to pray, discuss, and cast their votes under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, seeking the man God has chosen to lead the church as the new pope.

The election process is filled with deep tradition, including daily Masses, prayers, and the casting of secret ballots. After each round of voting, the ballots are burned; black smoke signals that no cardinal has received a two-thirds majority, while white smoke announces that a new pope has been chosen. As a community of faith, we are called to support this holy work with our prayers. We should pray that the cardinals remain open to the Holy Spirit, seeking not their own will or worldly vision, but God’s will for the church. We pray for a leader who will be a faithful shepherd, courageous in truth, compassionate to all, and filled with wisdom for the many challenges of our times.

When Pope Francis was elected and began to lead our church, I personally felt here’s a Pope who understands the importance of being a Pastor and leading with a Pastor’s heart. He would be a Pope who would support the pastoral decisions I have made and continue to make. I hope and pray the next Pope will lead with that same heart and spirit.

Let us pray: For the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the Cardinals. For unity, peace, and discernment in the Church. For the new pope, whoever he may be, that he will be strengthened in holiness and leadership.

In this time of great importance, may our prayers rise like incense before God, asking that His will be done, and that His Church be blessed with a Shepherd after His own heart. 

Please hold in prayer all our young people who this weekend are receiving Jesus for the first time as they make their Holy Communion. Congratulations to all! Jesus is a true companion for our journey through this life and He will lead us one day to a share in his eternal life promised to all who believe and follow him.

Have a great week ahead.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena – St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish