Bulletins

February 24, 2013

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The 1996 decree of Pope John Paul II regarding what to do when a Pope needs to be elected (Universi Dominici Gregis) was modified only in the slightest by a sixparagraph Apostolic Letter that Pope Benedict XVI issued in 2007 requiring a two-thirds majority of the Cardinal Electors to validly elect a pope no matter how many ballots have been cast. Pope Benedict did retain the provision that, if no Pope had been elected, voting will be suspended at intervals for a time of prayer, informal dialogue and an exhortation by one of the Cardinals. It should go without saying that if the Holy Spirit's choice for Pope were guaranteed to "win" the election then prayer would not be necessary. To that end, Pope John Paul II in the above-mentioned decree implores all of us:

84. During the vacancy of the Apostolic See, and above all during the time of the election of the Successor of Peter, the Church is united in a very special way with her Pastors and particularly with the Cardinal electors of the Supreme Pontiff, and she asks God to grant her a new Pope as a gift of his goodness and providence. Indeed, following the example of the first Christian community spoken of in the Acts of the Apostles (cf. 1:14), the universal Church, spiritually united with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, should persevere with one heart in prayer; thus the election of the new Pope will not be something unconnected with the People of God and concerning the College of electors alone, but will be in a certain sense an act of the whole Church. I therefore lay down that in all cities and other places, at least the more important ones, as soon as news is received of the vacancy of the Apostolic See and, in particular, of the death of the Pope, and following the celebration of his solemn funeral rites, humble and persevering prayers are to be offered to the Lord (cf. Mt 21:22; Mk 11:24), that he may enlighten the electors and make them so likeminded in their task that a speedy, harmonious and fruitful election may take place, as the salvation of souls and the good of the whole People of God demand.

As the Cardinals enter into the Papal Conclave they will be praying the ancient chant Veni, Creator Spiritus. Let us pray then too: O God, Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost: give to us, in the same Spirit, to know what is right, and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who with Thee livest and reignest in the unity of the same Holy Spirit, God. World without end. Amen.

God bless you.

Fr. Christopher J. Pollard