Prayer for the Upcoming Papal Conclave Issued by Conference of Catholic Bishops of India

Bangalore, May 5, 2025 — The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) released a special prayer on May 5, to guide the College of Cardinals with wisdom in electing a new pope. The prayer seeks divine guidance and unity among the cardinal electors, and also invokes the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, and Saints Peter and Paul. The CCBI made the prayer public to encourage the faithful across India to join in spiritual solidarity during the crucial period of papal transition.

The prayer is as follows:

Prayer for the Election of Pope

God, our loving Father; Jesus, our Good Shepherd; and Holy Spirit, our Guide and Comforter, in this time of waiting and prayer, we turn to You with open hearts.

Father, You have always watched over Your Church. You raise up shepherds after Your own heart. Send forth the Spirit of Wisdom upon the College of Cardinals. Make them one in mind and heart, so that in their prayerful discernment they may be guided by divine wisdom.

You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of them You have chosen to be the successor of Peter. May the new Pope be a man of prayer, a servant of truth, gentle yet bold, and compassionate and deeply rooted in Your love.

Through the intercessions of Mary, the Mother of the Church; St Joseph, her Guardian and Protector; and Saints Peter and Paul, may this election bring new life and freshness into the Church and new hope to the world.

We make this prayer to You through Jesus Christ our Lord, the author of life and our salvation. Amen."

The CCBI has urged Catholics throughout the nation to pray earnestly during this time, emphasizing that the election of a new pope is a pivotal moment for the global Church.

As the Church awaits its new leader, the prayer serves as both a spiritual appeal and a reminder of the unity and faith shared by Catholics around the world.

By Catholic Connect Reporter