By CatholicPhilly Staff • Posted May 2, 2025

Archbishop Perez released the following letter May 2 encouraging all to join in prayerful solidarity before the start of the conclave to elect a new Pope. 

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the Universal Church concludes the tradition of novendiales with nine days of prayer for the happy repose of the soul of Pope Francis, we continue to lift our hearts in gratitude for the gift of his life and Petrine ministry. The Church of Philadelphia will forever cherish his time with us during the World Meeting of Families–Philadelphia in 2015. May Pope Francis rest in peace through the mercy of God.

Beginning on May 7, 2025, the College of Cardinals will open the Conclave and prayerfully discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the election of a new Supreme Pontiff for the Church.

The coming days offer an opportunity for all of us to pray for the College of Cardinals and the Church as a whole. I invite you to pray fervently for these intentions during celebrations of the Mass, frequent Eucharistic adoration, rosary devotions, and private prayer. In parishes across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, holy hours have been scheduled for this purpose. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, please visit archphila.org/conclave.

The following petition is also being shared with all parishes in our local Church for the Universal Prayer at Masses in the days leading up to the election of a new Pope.

For confident assurance in the work of the Holy Spirit,

for all the members of the Church, and especially for the Cardinal electors,
for the election of a new universal Shepherd and successor to Saint Peter for the needs of our times,

Let us pray to the Lord. / Lord, hear our prayer.

May Mary, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, prayerfully intercede with the Lord to choose a shepherd after His own heart, and may God bless you abundantly.

Most Reverend Nelson J. Pérez, D.D.
Archbishop of Philadelphia