Unity in Faith and Prayer: Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, led the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff, emphasizing the importance of unity in faith and prayer as the Cardinals entered the Conclave to choose the new Pope. He expressed a heartfelt prayer that the elected Pope would be the one needed by the Church and humanity during these challenging times in history.
By Thaddeus Jones
On a serene Wednesday morning, 7 May, Saint Peter’s Basilica was filled with the Cardinals and over five thousand faithful for the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the ceremony, highlighting the sense of unity with the entire People of God in their faith, love for the Pope, and hopeful anticipation.
Reflecting on the Acts of the Apostles, Cardinal Re drew parallels to the unity and perseverance in prayer shown by the early Christians after Christ’s ascension. He stressed the significance of coming together in prayer just hours before the Conclave, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the crucial decision ahead, “under the watchful eye of Our Lady beside the altar, in this majestic Basilica standing over the tomb of the Apostle Peter.”
United in Faith and Prayer
During the Mass, Cardinal Re invoked the Holy Spirit, asking for divine wisdom and strength in choosing a Pope who would serve the Church and humanity effectively amidst the complexities and challenges of the present era.
“To pray, by invoking the Holy Spirit, is the only right and proper attitude to take as the Cardinal electors prepare to undertake an act of the highest human and ecclesial responsibility and to make a choice of exceptional importance. This is a human act for which every personal consideration must be set aside, keeping in mind and heart only the God of Jesus Christ and the good of the Church and of humanity.”
Love that Knows No Limits
Cardinal Re emphasized the Gospel message of boundless love, as Jesus calls on His followers to love one another selflessly, following His example of sacrificial love. He described this love as transformative, capable of shaping a new civilization rooted in authentic love.
“The love that Jesus reveals knows no limits and must characterize the thoughts and actions of all his disciples, who must always show authentic love in their behavior and commit themselves to building a new civilization, what Paul VI called the ‘civilization of love.’ Love is the only force capable of changing the world.”
Call to Fraternal Love and Communion
Continuing his homily, Cardinal Re underscored the importance of fostering fraternal love, mutual support, ecclesial unity, and universal human solidarity. He emphasized the role of the Pope in promoting communion among Christians, Bishops, and all humanity, guided by the Gospel’s principles.
Unity in Diversity
Cardinal Re highlighted the unity of the Church, rooted in Christ’s teachings and entrusted to the Apostles. He emphasized the continuity of the papal mission, with each Pope representing Peter and embodying Christ’s presence on earth. The election of a new Pope, therefore, signifies the enduring presence of the Apostle Peter in guiding the Church.
United in Prayer
As the Cardinals prepared to cast their votes in the Conclave, Cardinal Re urged everyone to pray fervently for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in selecting a Pope who would lead with wisdom and compassion, addressing the spiritual and moral challenges of the modern world.
“May we pray for a Pope who knows how best to awaken the consciences of all and awaken the moral and spiritual energies in today’s society that tends to forget God.”
Cardinal Re acknowledged the high expectations placed on the Church in upholding essential human and spiritual values crucial for the well-being of society and future generations. He called upon the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, to guide the Cardinal electors in choosing a Pope who would serve the Church and humanity faithfully.
