Indian Bishops Offer Mass for the Election of the New Pope

Bangalore, 7 May 2025: As the universal Church enters a period of solemn anticipation, the Catholic Bishops of India gathered in Bangalore to offer a Holy Mass for the election of the new Pope. The celebration took place during the Executive Committee meeting of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), currently being held at St John’s Medical College.

As the Conclave began in Rome on 7 May, the bishops united in prayerful solidarity, invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit upon the College of Cardinals. The liturgy was marked by a spirit of discernment and deep trust, as special prayers were raised for a Pontiff “after God’s own heart” to shepherd the Church through the challenges of our time.

In the absence of His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI, who is in Rome for the conclave, the Holy Eucharist was presided over by Archbishop Vincent Aind, Secretary General of the CCBI and Archbishop of Ranchi.

In a moment of collective petition, the bishops prayed: "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of them you have chosen to be the successor of Peter. May the new Pope be a man of prayer, a servant of truth, gentle yet bold, compassionate, and deeply rooted in Your love."

The gathering reflected the Indian Church’s commitment to stand in communion with the global Catholic community, as it awaits the election of the next Successor of Peter.

By Dr. Stephen Alathara