In a climate of contemplation and prayer, St. Peter's Basilica was the setting this Wednesday for a liturgical celebration steeped in ecclesial and spiritual significance: the Mass Pro eligendo Romano Pontifice, presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, on the eve of the start of the conclave that will elect the next Pope.
“ We are here to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit ,” Cardinal Re proclaimed during his homily, appealing to the need for profound discernment at this crucial moment for the Church. In a calm but firm voice, he emphasized that the act of electing the new Successor of Peter is a “ decision of great importance ,” which requires setting aside personal interests and focusing solely on the good of the Church and humanity.
Inspired by the day's liturgical texts, Cardinal Re emphasized the centrality of Christian love as Jesus' new commandment. " There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends ," he recalled, quoting the Gospel of St. John. He exhorted those present—and all the People of God—to live a boundless love, the foundation of what St. Paul VI called the " civilization of love ."
Along these lines, he highlighted Christ's gesture of humility in washing the feet of his disciples, including Judas, as a model for the Church's pastors. " The fundamental quality of pastors is love to the point of total self-giving ," he affirmed, also alluding to the words of the prophet Isaiah read during the liturgy.
One of the most solemn moments of the homily was the reflection on the figure of the Pope as a rock of unity. “ The election of the new Pope is not a simple succession of persons, but is always the apostle Peter returning ,” he expressed with theological depth. He also recalled that the future Pontiff must be an architect of communion, not only among bishops and faithful, but also among cultures, peoples, and nations.
Cardinal Re evoked St. John Paul II's Roman Triptych, referring to Michelangelo's image of the Last Judgment that dominates the Sistine Chapel, where the conclave will take place. " May it remind everyone of the greatness of responsibility ," he said, citing the late Pope's wish.
The homily concluded with a fervent prayer: that the Holy Spirit may inspire the cardinal electors to choose a Pope " according to the heart of God ," capable of awakening consciences and guiding the world toward a more just and spiritual humanity, in an age marked by technological progress and the neglect of the transcendent.
The cardinal entrusted this intention to the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, trusting that She