Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the
College of Cardinals, told his fellow prelates that the world
expects a lot as he presided over the 'Pro Eligendo Romano
Pontifice' Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica on Wednesday before
the start of the Conclave to elect a new pope.
"Today's world expects a lot from the Church to safeguard those
fundamental human and spiritual values without which human
coexistence will neither be better, nor a bearer of good for
future generations," said Battista Re.
"May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intervene
with her maternal intercession, so that the Holy Spirit may
enlighten the minds of the cardinal electors and make them agree
in the election of the pope that our time needs.
"Among the tasks of every successor of Peter is to grow
communion among peoples and cultures".
In addition to the cardinals, around 5,000 people were in St
Peter's Basilica for the Pro Eligendo Mass, according to Vatican
media, while many others followed proceedings via big screens in
the square outside.
(see related).
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