Pinoy Catholics urged to pray for Conclave

Several Catholic parishes called on the faithful to pray for the Conclave, in which the next pope will be chosen.

During the conclave, which will be held tomorrow May 7, 2025, the cardinal electors will gather in the Sistine Chapel and cast their vote — entirely isolated from the outside world — until they reach two-thirds of the votes is reached and a new Pope is elected.

There are 133 cardinal electors and three of them are Filipinos, namely Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Cardinal Jose Advincula, and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David.

Once a new Pope — who also holds the position Bishop of Rome — is chosen, a white smoke (fumata bianca) appears from the chimney while a black smoke (fumata nera) indicates an inconclusive vote.

In a social media post, the Santísimo Rosario Parish of the University of Santo Tomas called for prayers to the Holy Spirit to guide the cardinal electors:

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit may guide our cardinal-electors as they elect a new Pontiff:

"O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen."

The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Our Lady of the Pillar, also known as Imus Cathedral, posted another prayer to the Holy Spirit.

????rayer for the Conclave

Come, Holy Spirit, Lord of Light and Fire, descend with Your wisdom upon the hearts of the Cardinals.

Be their Counselor and their Guide as they gather to discern the next successor of Saint Peter. Banish all fear, confusion, and self-interest.

Kindle in them a holy boldness, a heart attentive to the whisper of Your will, and a deep love for Christ and His Church.

O Spirit of Truth, raise up a Shepherd after Your own Heart-one who will lead with humility, courage, and purity of faith.

Renew the face of the earth through this choice, and enkindle in all the faithful a new flame of love and zeal.

We entrust this Conclave to You, O Spirit of the Living God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saints Peter and Paul, and all the Saints.

Come, Holy Spirit, renew Your Church! Amen.

Meanwhile, the Most Holy Trinity Parish in Ragay, Camarines Sur released a prayer for the days leading to and during the Conclave.

In its prayer, the Carmelite Missionaries Youth - Philippines asked God for the protection of the Church amid the transition and guidance for the cardinal electors.

According to Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, the cardinal electors will arrive at Santa Martha and surrender their communication devices on Tuesday, May 6, in preparation for the conclave.

The Conclave will begin with a Eucharistic celebration on May 7. — BAP, GMA Integrated News