Participants of the upcoming conclave for the election of the Pope met in Jerusalem.

Meeting between the Patriarch of Jerusalem and Cardinal Bychok

Today, April 23, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa and Ukrainian Cardinal Mykola Bychok met. The cardinals discussed future events in the life of the church, particularly the upcoming conclave in which they will soon participate.

Bishop Bychok asked the patriarch to support the Ukrainian people with his prayers in Jerusalem.

At the end of the meeting, diplomatic representatives and leaders of various churches joined the attendees and together headed to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Mass with a Prayer for Peace

At the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, people gathered for a requiem Holy Mass, led by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa. Cardinal Bychok also participated in the Holy Mass and prayed for peace in Ukraine.

The church was full of believers: bishops, priests, monastics, and laity. All expressed their gratitude to the Lord for the gift of Pope Francis and his service to the Universal Church.

Farewell to Pope Francis

The last part of the event was a condolence rite at the Patriarchal residence. Representatives of the diplomatic corps, monastic communities, and other churches expressed their condolences regarding the death of Pope Francis.

The Process of Electing a New Pope

The process of electing a new Pope, known as the conclave, will begin in May. Cardinals under the age of 80 will gather in the Sistine Chapel, where they will conduct a secret vote. If no candidate receives two-thirds of the votes, the voting will be repeated.

Several prominent cardinals are named among the potential successors to Francis.