Dean to cardinals: Pray for ‘new pope according to God’s heart’

Cardinal Re presided at Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of the conclave.

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re urged cardinals Wednesday to pray that the Holy Spirit “will give us a new pope according to God’s heart for the good of the Church and of humanity.”

Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, censes the altar at the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff in St. Peter’s Basilica on May 7, 2025. Scre…