The text, published by the Holy See press office, refers to the lack of progress in promoting peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East and in many other parts of the world and notes that, on the contrary, in recent days attacks have intensified, especially against the civilian population.
Faced with this situation, ‘we make a cordial appeal to all the parties involved to reach a permanent cease-fire as soon as possible and to negotiate, without preconditions or further delays, the peace long desired by the populations involved and by the whole world’, the cardinals said in the document.
The communiqué was issued after the conclusion of the twelfth congregation scheduled since Pope Francis’ passing away on April 21, which met between 09:00 and 12:30 local time on Tuesday, with the attendance of 173 cardinals, among them 130 electors.
In this meeting, held just a few hours before the beginning of the Conclave on May 7, the need to carry out many of the reforms promoted by Francis was reiterated, among them the fight against abuses, economic transparency and the reorganization of the Curia.
Particular reference was made to the importance of maintaining and strengthening the commitment to peace, as well as to the protection of the environment in order to preserve the planet.
In the debates, during which 26 speeches were made, the criterion prevailed that ‘in times marked by war, violence and strong polarizations, there is a strong need for a spiritual guide that offers mercy, synodality and hope’, the Vatican’s informative organ indicates in a note.
In the cardinals’ reflections on the values that the next Bishop of Rome should have, it was underlined that he should be close to the needs and wounds of humanity.
In the afternoon, the first vote to elect the Pope will take place, with a two-thirds majority, while in the following four votes will be taken daily and, on the basis of what has happened in the last five Conclaves, it is likely that the new Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church will be announced in three days at the latest.
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