By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Apr 30, 2025 / 18:34 pm
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri on Wednesday recalled one of the traditional titles for the pope, the “servant of the servants of God,” and emphasized the papal roles of service and confirming Catholics in the faith.
In several days, Sandri said, the cardinal proto deacon will announce to the Church and the world the “‘gaudium magnum’ (‘great joy’) of having a new pope.”
“It is from the paschal experience of Christ,” he continued, “that the ministry of the successor of Peter finds meaning, called at all times to live out the words just heard in the Gospel: ‘And you, once converted, confirm your brothers.’”
Sandri celebrated Mass for the College of Cardinals and the Papal Chapel (members of the Papal House) in St. Peter’s Basilica for the fifth day of the Novendiales, the nine days of mourning for Pope Francis, which include daily Masses for the repose of his soul.
Sandri is vice dean of the College of Cardinals.
