A statement from Bishop Paul Swarbrick on the Solemn Conclave: to be read at services over the weekend of 3/4th May 2025.

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On 7th May the Cardinals eligible to vote for the successor to our late Holy Father, Pope Francis, will gather in the Sistine Chapel to begin the Solemn Conclave. The prayers of the Faithful around the world will be with them. The Holy Spirit will be with them. The attention of the world’s media will be on them. Much of that media attention will not understand the power of prayer, of how the Holy Spirit works. (At times I don’t!)

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How did Our Lord choose Saint Peter? What qualities did He see in him? Qualities Saint Peter probably did not see in himself? What did he have that Our Lord saw as essential for him to lead the infant Church that Jews established and which He loves so much?

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Someone must be chosen for what the Church needs now if it is to be what the world needs that it might know the Risen Saviour. ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?’ Jesus asked Peter. Do you love me enough to follow me, remain with me and do what I ask of you?

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We offer our heartfelt and confident prayers that, whoever is chosen, he will have the courage, and above all, the love to accept it. Please pray. Pray in your churches, in your homes, at your places of work and recreation and on your journeys. Pray each morning and evening for the one to be chosen and for the Church. Under the successor of Saint Peter and Pope Francis may She continue the Lord’s mission for the salvation of the world and the revelation of God’s love made real, effective and visible in the Risen Lord.

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+ Rt Rev Paul Swarbrick

Bishop of Lancaster