The Archdiocese of Manila has issued a prayer ahead of next week’s papal conclave, calling on the faithful to unite in prayer as the Catholic Church prepares to elect a new pope.
In Circular No. 2025–31, the archdiocese urged participation in the Eucharist, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Liturgy of the Hours, personal prayer, and the rosary in solidarity with the global Church.
Parishes have been instructed to recite the Prayer for the Election of a Pope after the Post-Communion Prayer in all Masses beginning Saturday, May 3, until a new pontiff is chosen.
On Wednesday, May 7, the first day of the conclave, all Masses will be dedicated to the election of the next pope. The new pontiff will succeed Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at the age of 88.
In preparation, firefighters on Friday installed the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel that will signal the election’s outcome—white smoke for a successful vote, black if no pope has been chosen.
A total of 133 cardinal electors—those under 80—will gather in the chapel beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes to cast ballots in secret until a two-thirds majority, or 89 votes, is achieved.
Cardinals have already begun daily meetings at the Vatican to discuss challenges facing the Church, including evangelization, unity, and scandals involving abuse and financial misconduct.
Among the papabili, or leading candidates, are Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines, Italy’s Pietro Parolin, and Ghana’s Peter Turkson. Still, observers note that favorites rarely emerge as winners.
“It’s a time of prayer and surprise,” said Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez of El Salvador. “Remember what happened with Pope Francis—what a surprise!”
The chimney installation went largely unnoticed by tourists in St. Peter’s Square, though many were aware of the historical moment. “It feels like a once-in-a-lifetime thing,” said Glenn Atherton, a visitor from London.
Two cardinals—Antonio Cañizares Llovera of Spain and John Njue of Kenya—have withdrawn from voting due to health issues, the Vatican confirmed.
The conclave will begin at 4:30 p.m. on May 7, with one vote that day. If no pope is elected, the cardinals will vote twice each morning and afternoon. A new chemical system ensures the smoke signal is clear: black for no result, white for a successful election.
