The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) 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,” he said.
The Archbishop Palma, who also leads the Cebu Archdiocese, assured the faithful that God will guide the Church in the coming days ahead after Benedict XVI formally stepped down from his post last Thursday.
“Pope Benedict said Christ did not leave the boat. Our leader is Jesus, we are all auxiliary helpers,” Archbishop Palma said. ”Our church is under the direction of the Lord, although we do not have a pope.”
Also commenting on the upcoming conclave, 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 the New Evangelization beyond this Year of Faith,” he said.
The College of Cardinals are currently meeting in Vatican City prior to the conclave that will elect the next Roman Pontiff.
