Filipino bishops have called on the faithful to unite in prayer and hope as the Church enters the sacred process of electing a new pope, following the death of Pope Francis.
Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, in a pastoral message addressed to the clergy and laypeople of his diocese, asked that all parishes offer special intentions during Masses as the conclave begins on May 7.
“Beginning May 7, I ask that in every parish of our Diocese, the first and last Holy Mass of the day be offered for the Cardinals who will gather for the sacred duty of the Conclave,” said Bishop Santos.
“As they enter into prayer and discernment, may the Holy Spirit inspire and enlighten them, guiding them toward the one whom God has chosen to lead His flock,” the prelate added.
He encouraged the faithful to seek the intercession of Saint Peter and the Blessed Virgin Mary throughout the conclave.
Upon the announcement of the new pope, he directed all churches in the diocese to ring their bells in celebration and offer scheduled Masses in thanksgiving for the gift of a new shepherd to guide the Church in these challenging times.
In a message sent to LiCAS News, Bishop Santos emphasized the weight of the moment: “As the Church stands at a very important moment in its history, we turn our hearts toward the sacred process about to unfold—the Papal Conclave, where the College of Cardinals will gather behind closed doors to elect the successor of St. Peter.”
Other Filipino bishops echoed the call for nationwide prayer. Bishop Jesse Mercado of Parañaque urged Catholics to “enter this moment with prayerful hope.”
He encouraged the faithful to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the cardinal-electors as they discern a new shepherd—someone who reflects Christ’s compassion and courage, speaks the truths of the faith with humility and clarity, and continues the reforms initiated by Pope Francis.
“May the next Holy Father be a sign of unity, peace, and Gospel joy,” he added.
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, retired prelate of Cagayan de Oro, reflected on the direction of the Church post-Francis.
“We pray that the Church continues to share the joy of the Gospel, the mercy of God as his primary attribute, and to be a world-wide community that is open and welcoming to every one in need,” he said.
Retired Archbishop Ramon Arguelles of Lipa also called for spiritual unity during the election. “We thank God for the great popes of recent decades,” he said.
He acknowledged that while past popes were not without flaws, they were chosen by God to guide the Church in their respective times.
He encouraged all who care for the Church to pray with and for the cardinal-electors, that they may be led by the Holy Spirit in selecting the successor of St. Peter best suited for the challenges of the present era.
Bishop Elmer Mangalinao of Bayombong urged the faithful to unite in prayer and sacrifice for the conclave, encouraging them to pray that the next pope will embrace the responsibility of the papacy with holiness, courage, wisdom, and joy.
“The life of a Pope is a life of sacrifice from the beginning of his ministry until death,” he said.
Bishop Julito Cortez of Dumaguete called on the faithful to offer fervent prayers for the cardinal-electors and for the Church as the conclave begins, asking the Holy Spirit to grant a pope who reflects the Heart of the Good Shepherd and can lead the Church in transforming the world according to God’s will.
Earlier in the day, cardinals from over 70 countries processed into St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome for the Mass “Pro Eligendo Romano Pontifice,” presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.
In his homily, the cardinal dean made “a strong call to maintain the unity of the Church,” and reminded electors they cast their votes “in the Sistine Chapel before God in whose sight each person will one day be judged.”
As the cardinals begin deliberations under strict secrecy, Filipino bishops invite the faithful to stay spiritually engaged, hopeful that the Church will welcome a pope who will lead with “love, humility, and steadfast faith.”
