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CV NEWS FEED // As the Church prepares to elect a new pope, a group of Catholics is inviting the faithful to participate spiritually by “adopting” a cardinal in prayer.
“The Cardinals need our prayers as they discern who will lead the Church,” the Adopt a Cardinal website states. “Your prayers provide spiritual support during this important process.”
By spiritually adopting a cardinal, Catholics are encouraged to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon those tasked with choosing the next pope, the website explains. The initiative offers a simple way for the faithful to unite with the conclave in prayerful solidarity.
The conclave begins May 7, as CatholicVote previously reported, and the first ballot will be cast the same day.
The Adopt a Cardinal website offers concrete steps to pray for an adopted cardinal: to pray for their physical and spiritual health, openness to the Holy Spirit, wisdom and clarity of mind, a focus on the needs of the Church and the will of God, and unity among the electors.
The suggested prayer reads: “Heavenly Father, I pray for ___, whom I have adopted in prayer during this important time for our Church. Give him wisdom, courage, and discernment as he participates in selecting the new Pope. May he be guided solely by your Holy Spirit and not by worldly concerns. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
