The Holy Spirit: The True Protagonist of the Conclave
We find ourselves on the threshold of a new conclave, an event that could mark not only the immediate future of the Church, but also the course of humanity. In this context of spiritual and historical significance, it is worth pausing to reflect on the true protagonist of this process: the Holy Spirit.
The Conclave: More than a Vote
Although legally regulated by the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, the conclave is, above all, an event of prayer. The cardinal electors, all under 80 years of age, meet after a series of Masses and general congregations. There they share impressions on the state of the world and the Church, and the qualities the new Pope should possess. Finally, they proceed to the Sistine Chapel, where the voting begins in isolation and under an oath of secrecy.
But this process, often misinterpreted by the media, is not a simple political exercise or a casting call to choose the best manager. Labels like “progressive,” “conservative,” or “moderate” are insufficient and misguided. The conclave does not respond to human logic, but to the logic of God.
The Three Misguided Views of the Conclave
Three misguided approaches are common and make it difficult to understand what happens in a conclave:
- The view of interests: whether economic, ideological, or power-based. A narrative typical of the entertainment industry that turns the process into a kind of intrigue novel.
- The ideological view: which presents the cardinals as lords debating their worldviews, ignoring their faith and their vocation for service.
- The view of human qualities: which evaluates candidates according to their intellectual, linguistic, or leadership skills, as if it were a business election.
Neither of these perspectives is fair or accurate. The true criterion is love for Christ and the willingness to bear his cross.
The logic of faith: the least suitable can be the chosen one
Cardinal Reginald Pole, quoted by Benedict XVI, said that the most suitable person to be Pope is the one who seems least suitable from a human perspective. The Pope is not chosen for his knowledge of languages or his prestige, but for his faith and his love. This is what Jesus intended with Peter, whom he chose not for his merits, but for his unconditional love.
How does the Holy Spirit act?
The Holy Spirit does not choose with lightning and thunder. He acts in the consciences of the cardinals through isolation, prayer, fellowship, and the spiritual transparency of some of them. He can speak through the witness of holiness, the clarity of a pastoral proposal, or even the progressive convergence of votes.
It is a process of communal and spiritual discernment. The cardinals, far from the noise of the world, open themselves to the promptings of the Spirit. It is up to the faithful to pray that the Spirit blows with strength and clarity.
A time of grace and prayer
The College of Cardinals has explicitly asked all the People of God to live this moment as a time of grace and spiritual discernment. The Pentecost hymn summarizes this plea well:
“Come, Holy Spirit, send down your light from heaven… Enter into the depths of the soul, divine light, and enrich us… Give to effort its merit, save those who seek salvation, and grant us your eternal joy.”
The election of the new Pope does not depend on human calculations. Only the Holy Spirit knows who will be Peter’s successor. It is up to us to pray, trust, and hope.
Pentecost Hymn
Come, Holy Spirit, send down your light from heaven.
Loving Father of the poor; gift, splendid in your gifts; light that penetrates souls; Source of the greatest consolation.
Come, sweet guest of the soul, rest from our effort, respite from hard work.
Breeze in the hours of fire, joy that wipes away tears and comforts in grief.
Enter to the depths of the soul, divine light, and enrich us.
See the emptiness of man, if you are lacking within; see the power of sin, when you do not send your breath.
Irrigate the dry earth, heal the sick heart, wash away stains.
Infuse the warmth of life into the ice, tame the untamed spirit, guide those who stray from the path.
Distribute your seven gifts, according to the faith of your servants.
By your goodness and your grace, give toil its merit; save those who seek salvation and grant us your eternal joy.
