The Conclave

 

Tuesday, May 6, is the last day to celebrate the funeral for Pope Francis. On Wednesday, May 7, the Conclave to elect a new Bishop of Rome begins. Once the funeral is over, dioceses and parishes are invited to celebrate Masses "pro eligendo pontífice," that is, Masses for the election of the Roman Pontiff. The Mass, to be held Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Re (the same one who presided over Francis' funeral), will be attended by all the cardinals. In the collect prayer for this Mass, the prayer that gathers the sentiments of the celebrating assembly, three words appear that we can consider three great principles that the elected bishop will then have to implement according to his character and the needs of the Church: holy zeal for the faithful, reverence for the people, and healthy government.

How can the next Pope not be concerned about world hunger, poverty, migrants, peace, understanding among peoples, ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, the good progress of the Church, and the joyful proclamation of the Gospel? Or has Francis been preoccupied with other things? In short, concerned with proclaiming the Gospel, aware that the Gospel is not only or primarily a matter of doctrine (what do those who yearn for or ask for a Pope concerned with "sound doctrine" mean?), but a matter of life in love, because that is Jesus' commandment and the great sign by which his disciples are known.

It is said that the Pope is chosen by the Holy Spirit. But it is also the result of negotiations, sometimes tense, between the electors. Because the Holy Spirit always uses secondary causes. He does not act directly. He does not send WhatsApp messages, nor does he speak through the mouths of the most rigorous. The action of the Holy Spirit must be seen in consensus, in discernment, in agreements. The Pope will be elected directly by the Cardinals, after each one has discerned in conscience whom to vote for, a vote also conditioned by their character, their experiences, and their expectations. What the Holy Spirit will do is bring out the best in the chosen one, guiding and shaping their character, their vision of things, and their concerns. The Spirit acts through listening to the Word, prayer, attention to the signs of the times, listening to one's brothers and sisters, personal discernment, and freedom.