Three Days Before the Conclave
Three days remain until the Sacred College of Cardinals gather together for the next Papal Election. The atmosphere in the city of Rome is palpable. Prelates are arriving. Bishops are giving blessings in the street. Priests are leading pilgrimages. The laity roam through St. Peter’s Square, looking up at the vacant window of the papal apartments. Eyes are looking for that flash of red in the crowd, seeking for some small sign of a Cardinal passing by. The Cardinals are offering the “Novendiali”—the nine days of mourning for the passing of Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. The mourning for the Holy Father is another step in the preparation for the Conclave, when the Sacred College of Cardinals will decide upon the next successor of Saint Peter, the Vicar of Christ on earth. More updates to come.
Novena Prayer for the Sacred College of Cardinals gathered for the Conclave to elect the Roman Pontiff
I kneel before you, O Virgin Mother of God, Our Lady of Guadalupe, the compassionate mother of all who love you, cry to you, seek you, and trust in you. I plead for the Church at a time of great trial and danger for her. As you came to the rescue of the Church at Tepeyac in 1531, please intercede for the Sacred College of Cardinals gathered in Rome to elect the Successor of Saint Peter, Vicar of Christ, Shepherd of the Universal Church.
At this tumultuous time for the Church and for the world, plead with your Divine Son that the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, His Mystical Body, will humbly obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Through your intercession, may they choose the most worthy man to be Christ’s Vicar on earth. With you, I place all my trust in Him Who alone is our help and salvation. Amen.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee, have mercy upon us!
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Virgin Mother of God and Mother of Divine Grace, pray for us!
Raymond Leo Cardinal BURKE
April 24, 2025
