Below, you'll find information about the conclave and Pope Francis
Vatican News Livestream
Special Edition - United in Mission: One Heart and Mind Podcast
John Gonzalez welcomes viewers and introduces Charles Warner, a seminarian studying theology in Rome. As he approaches his diaconate ordination, Charles shares insights on the somber mood following Pope Francis's passing and the excitement surrounding the upcoming papal election. The conclave process is explained, including the significance of the Mass and the gathering of cardinals. Charles emphasizes the importance of prayer for the new Pope's leadership in the global church.
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A Visual Guide to the Papal Conclave Process
by clicking on image below.
Prepared by Rev. Alberto E. Vargas, JCL., JV Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
Below: Bishop Gruss shares his thoughts about what he hopes to see with the new pope
Prayer for Election of a New Pope
O God, eternal shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care, grant in your boundless fatherly love a pastor for your Church who will please you by his holiness and to us show watchful care. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Conclave 2025: Cardinal Re's Full Homily at the Mass for the Election of the Pope (May 7)
Latest News
12th General Congregation focuses on necessary qualities for a future Pope
From Vatican News
Electing a New Pope
A look inside the conclave that will elect the 266th successor to St. Peter!
The Basic Steps to Electing a New Pope
Conclave to elect new Pope to begin on May 7
"The Cardinals present in Rome have agreed to begin the conclave on May 7, 2025.
The date was set on Monday morning by the approximately 180 cardinals present (just over a hundred of whom are electors) gathered for the fifth General Congregation in the Vatican." READ MORE
Photo credit above: CNS photo/Vatican Media
Bishop Gruss’ presentation on the conclave and other events that occur after the Pope dies
During First Friday on March 7, Bishop Gruss discussed what happens when the Pope dies, including details about how the Conclave works, who participates and more. Click below to listen to Bishop Gruss' presentation.
Video from Pope Francis' Funeral Mass
Video of from Pope Francis' funeral can viewed below including the full Requiem Mass followed by the procession accompanying the Pope's coffin from St. Peter's Square to the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he was laid to rest.
A highlights video is first followed by full video of the Mass. These videos are produced by Vatican News.
Bishop Gruss' homily from Mass of Suffrage (April 23)
Related News/Photos
Vatican News: Pope Francis’ coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday evening
USCCB: Pope's funeral set for April 26, public viewing April 23-25
Statement from Bishop Gruss on the Death of Pope Francis
Bishop Gruss' reflection after meeting Pope Francis in 2019
Photo Gallery from Bishop Gruss' meeting with Pope Francis in 2019
NBC25/FOX 66 (April 23, 2025) Diocese of Saginaw to hold Masses of Suffrage for Pope Francis
Local news coverage
Mlive (May 7, 2025): Michigan seminarian witnesses historic papal transition in Vatican City
NBC25/FOX66 (May 2, 2025): Catholics in Mid-Michigan share hopes over new Pope
Ave Maria Radio (April 24, 2025): Bishop Robert Gruss Remembers Pope Francis
NBC25/FOX66 (April 23, 2025): Diocese of Saginaw to hold Masses of Suffrage for Pope Francis
WJRT ABC-12 (April 21, 2025): 'We adore him': Mid-Michigan remembers Pope Francis
WNEM (April 21, 2025): Mid-Michigan dioceses remembering legacy of Pope Francis
Prayer for a deceased Pope
God, Who, in Your ineffable providence, did will that Your servant, Pope Francis, should be numbered among the high priests, grant, we beseech You, that he, who on earth held the place of Your only-begotten Son, may be joined forevermore to the fellowship of Your holy pontiffs.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
265th Successor to St. Peter
On March 13, 2013, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, archbishop of Buenos Aires was elected in the conclave to become the first pope from the Americas. As the 265th successor to Saint Peter, he was the first pope to take the name of Francis, a name chosen in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi because he wanted “a church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security." (Evangelii Gaudium, 49). Read his full biography on the on the Vatican website.
Coat of Arms
Pope Francis’ motto on his coat of arms, “miserando atque eligendo” is taken from a homily by Saint Bede, an English eighth-century Christian writer and doctor of the Church of the Gospel account of the call of Saint Matthew. It roughly translates to “having mercy, he called him.” Read more on the Vatican's website.
Focuses of his papacy
Migrants and Refugees
Pope Francis has always had a deep love for migrants and refugees. One of his first papal visits was to the island of Lampedusa where he celebrated a penitential Mass to mourn migrants lost at sea.
Care for Creation
Pope Francis released Laudato Sí in 2015. This encyclical was the first ever written by a Pope on the subject of the environment.
Mercy and Forgiveness
Pope Francis called for an extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy in 2016, highlighting that God is never far from those who seek him.