Just hours before the cardinals retreated into seclusion to choose the next pope, the Catholic Church paused for a powerful moment of reflection.
In the heart of Vatican City, under the awe-inspiring dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re—the dean of the College of Cardinals—delivered a deeply moving homily during the special Mass known as “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice.”
This Mass isn’t just another religious ceremony. It marks the beginning of one of the most sacred and serious responsibilities in the Catholic Church: the election of a new pope.
With the conclave about to begin, Re spoke to a Basilica filled with cardinals, all gathered in prayerful unity, preparing to take on this immense duty.
Praying Together in Unity, Just Like the Early Church
Drawing from the Acts of the Apostles, Cardinal Re reminded everyone of a time long ago—after Jesus had ascended into heaven but before Pentecost—when the disciples gathered together in prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
That same spirit of unity and devotion, he said, was present in St. Peter’s Basilica that morning.
Surrounded by the faithful and standing near the altar dedicated to Our Lady, the cardinals were not alone in their mission.
They were spiritually joined with Catholics all around the world who were praying for guidance, for peace, and most importantly—for the Holy Spirit to inspire the right decision in this crucial moment for the Church and humanity.
Seeking the Spirit’s Light in a Complex and Changing World
Cardinal Re acknowledged that the world is at a turning point—full of challenges and uncertainty.
That’s why, he emphasized, this decision isn’t just important for the Church, but for all of humanity.
Choosing the next pope means looking beyond personal opinions, beyond reputations or politics. It’s about listening to God.
He encouraged his fellow cardinals to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit, trusting fully that their decision must reflect not just what the Church wants, but what it needs.
At a time when faith is tested and global communities are facing hardship, the new pope must be a leader who can rise to meet the moment.
Love as the Guiding Commandment
Cardinal Re then shifted focus to the day’s Gospel reading—a passage from the Last Supper.
It’s where Jesus gave one of his most powerful messages: “Love one another as I have loved you.”
That love, Jesus explained, isn’t shallow or self-serving.
It’s the kind of love that is willing to lay down one’s life for others.
This, Re stressed, is the heart of Christian leadership. It’s not about power or prestige, but about service and sacrifice.
He called this commandment “new” because it reimagines the old rules.
Instead of simply avoiding harm, Jesus asked his followers to take the extra step—to actively love, serve, and lift up one another.
A Reminder of What’s at Stake
As the Mass came to a close and the cardinals prepared to enter the conclave, Re left them with a lasting thought: this isn’t just a vote, it’s a sacred trust.
The choice they make will shape the future of the Church and impact lives across the globe.
And so, with heads bowed and hearts open, the cardinals began their spiritual journey behind closed doors—ready to listen, ready to discern, and above all, ready to love.