College of Cardinals: Calling for Prayer

Please pray for the Sacred College of Cardinals whose responsibility is to elect the new Pope, and, both individually and as the Sacred College, to assist him “in the daily care of the Church”. May the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, in obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, be one in heart with Jesus and God the Father in choosing His Vicar on earth.

Amen

What is the College of Cardinals?

The College of Cardinals is composed of the men whom the Pope has elevated to the dignity of Cardinal, entrusting them with the duty to be his close advisors and collaborators, and to elect his successor. The decisions of the College are made collectively, and ratified by the Pope, unless of course there is no Pope. During such a Papal Interregnum the Cardinals gather in General Congregation to decide by majority vote on the funeral of the Pope, the beginning of the Conclave to elect a new Pope, as well as any ordinary business of the Holy See which cannot wait.