Prayer for the Conclave

“Invocation to the Flame of Divine Guidance”

As the Church enters a time of prayerful anticipation, we are called to lift up a cry to the Spirit—for the Cardinals who will choose a new shepherd, and for the Church seeking a leader after God’s own heart.

Symbol of prayer and unity

O Eternal Father,

Who from the beginning chose Peter to shepherd Your flock,

Pour forth Your Spirit once more upon the Sacred College,

As they gather beneath the shadow of the Cross

And the light of the Empty Tomb.

Let no ambition cloud their minds,

Nor fear still their hearts.

Unbind them from the weight of worldly counsel,

And fasten their gaze upon the Lamb who was slain.

Send forth the Fire of Pentecost into the Sistine Chapel—

Not as a wind that passes,

But as a flame that purifies.

Consume all vanity,

Kindle holy wisdom,

And awaken in them the courage of saints.

Mary, Mother of the Church,

Shield this sacred assembly with your mantle.

Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Universal Church,

Stand watch with your silent strength.

May the one whom they raise to Peter’s Chair

Be a man of pierced hands,

Of listening heart,

Of joyful obedience.

Novena for the Cardinals Before the Election of the Pope

“Nine Days of Light for the Shepherds of the Church”

Pray each day with the intention below, followed by an Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and the prayer for the Conclave above.

Day 1: Docility to the Holy Spirit

Come, O Divine Paraclete, and grant the Cardinals hearts open to Your promptings. May they desire only what You desire.

Day 2: Detachment from Worldliness

Lord, strip from them all earthly concerns. May they enter the Conclave like apostles in the Upper Room—empty but expectant.

Day 3: Unity in Charity

God of Communion, bind the Cardinals together in fraternal love. Let no division hinder Your divine plan.

Day 4: Zeal for Souls

Inflame them with the thirst for salvation of every soul. May they choose a shepherd who burns with missionary fire.

Day 5: Courage to Choose Truth

Jesus, Eternal Word, give them the boldness to choose the truth, not convenience, the Cross, not comfort.

Day 6: Wisdom beyond Flesh

Holy Spirit, bestow supernatural wisdom upon them, wisdom that confounds the wise and glorifies the humble.

Day 7: Love for the Church

Spouse of the Church, fill them with a chaste and burning love for Your Bride. May they seek her good above all.

Day 8: Reverence for Sacred Tradition

O Lord of Ages, help them choose a pontiff rooted in the Deposit of Faith, yet alert to the needs of today.

Day 9: Joyful Hope in God’s Providence

Father of Light, give the Cardinals the peace that comes from trusting You. May they believe You have already chosen the next Successor of Peter.

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, a symbol of faith and the heart of the Catholic Church

Join this nine-day prayer and remain united in spirit with those entrusted with the election of the new leader of the Catholic Church.