MANILA, March 4, 2013— The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines urged the faithful to pray for the cardinals from around the world who will elect a new pope.
As cardinals prepare for papal conclave, CBCP president Archbishop Jose Palma said that prayer is important during this historic time in the Church.
“Whoever the cardinal-electors vote for, he would be another great pope in the making,” Palma said.
The archbishop also assured the people that God will guide the Church in days ahead after Pope Benedict XVI formally stepped down from his post last Feb. 28.
“Pope Benedict said Christ did not leave the boat. Our leader is Jesus, we are all auxiliary helpers,” said Palma.
”Our church is under the direction of the Lord, although we do not have a pope,” he added.
For his part, former CBCP president, Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, said that this time is an opportunity for Catholics to pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit as a new pope is elected.
“Let’s pray for all the cardinal-electors that the best among them may come out to lead the Church according to the direction of the Holy Spirit towards New Evangelization beyond this Year of Faith,” he said.
Cardinals begin talks on Monday at the Vatican to set the date for the start of the conclave and help identify candidates that will lead the world’s 1.2 billion Catholics. (CBCPNews)
