Cardinals Urged to Elect Pope Who Prioritizes Unity Over Ego

Francis appointed 108 of the 133 cardinals, picking pastors in his image from places like Mongolia, Sweden, and Tonga—countries that had never had a cardinal previously

- Associated Press

VATICAN CITY: With all the pomp, drama, and solemnity that the Catholic Church can muster, 133 cardinals began the centuries-old ritual to elect a successor to Pope Francis, celebrating a morning Mass on Wednesday before opening the most geographically diverse conclave in the faith’s 2,000-year history.

The dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, presided over the service, urging the voters to set aside all personal interests and find a pope who prizes unity. “The world today needs a leader who can awaken consciences,” he said.

From the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, Re prayed that they can agree “on the pope that our time needs” as he offered a final set of marching orders before the cardinals enter the Sistine Chapel later on Wednesday to begin the secret voting.