Within 15 to 20 days after Pope Francis’ death, the Vatican will begin the historic process of choosing from the papabile Cardinals the one who will succeed Pope Francis’ as the 267^th Pope. The conclave is set to begin as on May 7. Of the 252 cardinals, only 135 are electors as all cardinals over the age of 80 are excluded from voting.

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Although the voting cardinals look for a leader who is deeply spiritual and charismatic. He must have a vibrant vision for the church that includes a global perspective. All of those qualities could be suspended as it is the ultimate goal for the cardinals to hear and heed the voice of the Holy Spirit in the selection process.

The Catholic Church has experienced tremendous growth over the past four years, expanding their membership from 1.39 billion to 1.406 billion, making the Pope one of the most influential leaders in all Christendom. What the pope says and does matters to a large number of believers.

How can we all pray about this transition? Although many reading this may not be Catholic, the direction of the Catholic Church impacts conservative legislation and the election and implementation of biblical values.  While we saw a drift toward more progressive stances with the previous pope, there is an opportunity for the election of a pope that would align with scriptural values of life, identity, family, and religious freedom. Let’s pray for this next election.

1. Lord, we ask Your love, compassion, and comfort be with those who mourn the passing of  Pope Francis.
2. Lord, as the cardinals select Pope Francis’ successor, we ask You for a fearless Pope who will boldly speak truth to everyone from ordinary people to leaders of nations.
3. Lord, we ask for a spirit of humility among the cardinals and that they would focus on selecting Your choice and not man’s.
4. Lord, we acknowledge there are many outstanding, well qualified candidates to be Pope Francis’ successor. As the cardinals make their decision we ask for the discernment of Samuel. Just as Samuel passed over David’s older brothers until he knew God’s choice, we ask that the cardinals pass over everyone who is not Your choice. When the right one appears let them say as Samuel, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”
5. Lord, we ask for a Pope who listens to Your spirit. May his relationship with You be vibrant and true, sparking a revival in the church.
6. Lord, may he openly share Your Holy Spirit with hundreds of millions of Catholic believers. May he unleash a fresh spirit-led awaking among Catholics across the world.
7. Lord, we ask for a pope who will embrace the renewal of traditional families.
8. Lord, we ask for a Pope who will inspire a generation of people to take the name of Jesus to marketplaces in every nation.
9. Lord, we ask You to send Your angels to protect the incoming papal selection process. Keep it free of intervention from evil and dark forces.
10. Lord, as Catholic churches have expanded over the past four years, we pray for qualified and willing bishops established in Your Word and righteousness who will faithfully shepherd and teach new believers to know You and walk in Your ways.

Pope Francis followed a life of simplicity and humility, often opting for a simpler lifestyle that resonated with the people worldwide. Politically he leaned left openly disagreeing with President Trump on immigration policies. Pope Francis advocated for the poor and marginalized. He offered communion to those in the LBGTQ community and supported same-sex unions.

As Catholics wait for the cardinals to select a new pope, many are praying for a more traditional Pope who will embrace conservative leanings as many believe the conservative trend worldwide has led to the unprecedented growth Catholic congregations are now experiencing. We pray together this next pope would seek what God’s Word says about issues and not man.

Add your own prayers in the comments below.

Nancy Huff is an educator with a mission to equip believers to pray strategically for the Cultural Mountain of Education. She has authored Taking the Mountain of Education: A Strategic Prayer Guide to Transform America’s Schools,  Safety Zone: Scriptural Prayers to Revolutionize Your School, and Decrees for Your School. She leads prayer groups to pray at key educational locations across the US. For additional information go to: https://takingthemountainofeducation.com/author/nancyahuff/. Photo Credit: Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2065989.