A New Shepherd for a Wounded World: Praying for the Next Pope

The world today is swirling in confusion. Lines that were once clear—between truth and falsehood, right and wrong—are now blurred in the name of modern ideologies like DEI, radical gender ideologies, and the ever-expanding “woke” culture. And while compassion and inclusion are important virtues, we must not forget that truth and love are not opposites—they must walk hand in hand.

As a Catholic, I’ve always believed that the Church was not meant to follow the world, but to be a beacon that leads it. Christ called His Church to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), to stand firm in truth and mercy. And now, more than ever, the world needs a Pope who can do just that.

The time will come soon when the College of Cardinals will gather in a conclave to discern, debate, and ultimately vote for the next successor of Saint Peter. It's a sacred task, and not a political one. It’s not about popularity or power—but about faithfulness. The cardinals are not just choosing a man—they are, through deep prayer and discernment, listening to the Holy Spirit to raise up the one who will shepherd a global flock in one of the most challenging times in recent history.

Of course, as a Filipino, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t be thrilled to see Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle step into the shoes of Peter. His warmth, intellect, humility, and deep love for the Church are inspiring. If he becomes Pope, I honestly think Filipinos will flood the Vatican—not with protest, but with parades, novenas, and pancit! The fiesta might need an annex in Rome!

But more than the joy of seeing a fellow Filipino possibly take the helm, I sincerely hope the next Pope—whoever he is—will be a unifying figure. Someone who can speak truth in love, engage in meaningful dialogue with other Christian communities, and offer clarity in a world that desperately needs it. A Pope who, like Christ, will welcome sinners without endorsing sin. A father who challenges and consoles, who stands firm yet gently.

After all, the Catholic Church is not just another Christian denomination—it’s the one Church founded by Christ Himself (Matthew 16:18), carried by the Apostles, and guided by the Holy Spirit across two thousand years. That’s not arrogance. That’s history. And because of that, we believe the Spirit still moves today—inspiring the Cardinals as they seek the next shepherd.

So let us not just wait for white smoke. Let us pray.

A Prayer for the Conclave

Come, Holy Spirit. You who guided the Apostles and breathed life into the Church at Pentecost, descend now upon the College of Cardinals. Open their hearts and minds to Your wisdom, free them from division, ambition, and fear. May they not choose according to the world’s standards, but according to Your divine will.

Raise up for us a shepherd after Your own heart—bold in truth, tender in love, rooted in Scripture, and anchored in the Tradition passed down from the Apostles. May he lead not only the faithful, but also those lost and confused, back to the embrace of the Father.

We entrust this sacred decision to You, O Lord. And as the Church waits with hope, may we never forget that the true Head of the Church is Christ, and the Pope is His humble servant.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.