St. Peter’s Basilica hosted the celebration of the Mass Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice this morning, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals. Among the faithful present was our founder, Moysés Azevedo, along with other members of the Community, who took part in this historic Mass on the day the Conclave begins—the one that will elect the new Holy Father, successor of St. Peter, following the pontificate of Pope Francis.
The world awaits the election of the new Pontiff
During his homily, Cardinal Re highlighted the unity, the sense of faith, the love for the Pope, and the trust with which the entire people of God are interceding as they await the identity of the new Pontiff:
“We are here to call upon the help of the Holy Spirit, to implore His light and strength, so that the Pope whom the Church and humanity need at this moment may be elected.”
He added: “Prayer is the only right and necessary attitude, as the cardinal electors prepare for an act of utmost human and ecclesial responsibility, and for a decision of great importance; a human act in which all personal considerations must be set aside, keeping only the God of Jesus Christ in mind and heart.”
Regarding the mission of the new Roman Pontiff, he stated: “Every Pope continues to embody Peter and his mission, and in that way represents Christ on earth; he is the rock upon which the Church is built. The election of the new Pope is not a mere succession of individuals, but is always the return of the apostle Peter.”
He concluded his address with a plea to the Lord: “Let us pray that God may grant the Church the Pope who best knows how to awaken everyone’s conscience, and the moral and spiritual forces in today’s society, characterized by great technological progress but tending to forget God. Today’s world expects much from the Church in safeguarding those fundamental human and spiritual values, without which human coexistence will not be better nor will it bring good to future generations.”
Prayer for the Conclave
Following the invitation of our founder Moysés Azevedo to unite in prayer and intercession as the Shalom Community with the entire Church during this important moment of grace and discernment, we share the prayer to intercede for the Conclave:
“We humbly beseech You, O God, that in Your immense mercy You may grant to the Most Holy Roman Church a Pontiff who, by his zeal for us, may be pleasing to You, and may faithfully govern the Church to the glory and reverence of Your name. 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”.
