As the solemn nine-day mourning period for Pope Francis concluded on Sunday, Catholics in Thailand now turn their hearts and minds toward the future of the Church with the opening of the papal conclave in Rome.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Thailand (CBCT) has called upon all parishes, religious congregations, and the faithful throughout the country to unite in prayer for the election of the new pope.
“We have prepared prayers in both Thai and English so everyone can take part meaningfully during these sacred days,” said Fr. John Bosco Suwat Luangsaard, CBCT Deputy Secretary-General.
Archbishop Francis Xavier Vira Arpondratana, president of the CBCT and Archbishop of Bangkok, emphasized to LiCAS News the spiritual depth of this moment for the universal Church.
“The election of a pope is a sacred discernment. It is when the cardinals listen not to their own voices, but to the whisper of the Holy Spirit,” the prelate said.
He encouraged the faithful to pray not just for the outcome of the conclave but also for its profound spiritual significance in being recognized around the world. “May the new pope be a shepherd after the heart of Jesus,” he added.
In the rural northeast of Thailand, the Religious of the Assumption community in Thabom is among the many who join in prayer.
“All our sisters will spend this day in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., interceding for the conclave,” shared Sr. Deanna Maria Combong, r.a., superior of St. John’s School near the Laos border. “Come, Holy Spirit.”
To help Thai Catholics understand the rich traditions surrounding the conclave, the Catholic Social Communication Thailand (CSCT) office has launched a video series on social media.
The series explains the rituals and symbols from sede vacante and novendiales to the moment the Church announces habemus papam.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for catechesis and the faithful,” said Fr. Joseph Anucha Chaiyadej, CSCT Executive Director. “We hope it deepens understanding and participation in this historic process.”
Even as attention turns toward the Sistine Chapel, gratitude for the life and legacy of Pope Francis continues to fill hearts.
The Society of Catholic Business Executives and Professionals in Thailand recently released a video montage of personal reflections, paying tribute to the late pontiff’s warmth, humanity, and deeply pastoral spirit.
“Again and again, people speak of how he smiled, how he listened, how he welcomed everyone,” said one member. “He made the world feel smaller, more loving. I am filled with gratitude.”
Today, as the conclave begins behind the locked doors of the Sistine Chapel, 133 cardinals from across the globe take a solemn oath of secrecy. One of the first acts: installing the iconic chimney that will signal to the world — with white or black smoke — the outcome of each round of voting.
Tourists who managed to glimpse the Sistine Chapel before its closure on Sunday called it a rare privilege, knowing that what happens next is hidden even from history’s gaze — until a new pope steps forward onto the balcony of St. Peter’s.
As the Church awaits that moment, Catholics in Thailand and around the world keep vigil.
“We may be far from Rome,” Archbishop Vira said, “but our prayers are united. As the cardinals gather in conclave, we as a Church pray.”
