THE CONCLAVE:

On Wednesday the Cardinal electors will begin the process of electing the next Pope and our prayers go with them. I cannot recall, during my lifetime, such an overwhelming wave of goodwill towards the Catholic community as we have experienced with the death of Pope Francis. His legacy is a call to all of us to accompany one another on life’s pilgrimage. He highlighted many aspects of the Second Vatican Council which we have not fully implemented and by focusing on the synodal process has provided us with a template for action. The shape of the Church in this country is rapidly changing and all of us are going to have to adjust to new models of co-operation and shared ministry. The Lord promised he would always be with us and all the evidence in our two parishes and in our family of parishes suggests that there is a huge amount of energy and openness to explore how best we can journey together as pilgrims in and of hope. To begin with, may I suggest that we all find a few quiet moments in each of the coming days to pray for the Cardinals in Conclave until they have elected the next Bishop of Rome, our new Pope, the successor of St Peter. In particular, may I ask parents to spend just a couple of minutes praying with their children each evening for this intention, just using your own words and inviting the children to do the same? Rather as we did when Covid prevented us from coming together, and we all tried to pray for a short time at 7pm each evening, I hope this will enable us to experience a sense of our unity with the praying Church across the world and indeed with the whole of humanity.