As the College of Cardinals gathers for the Conclave to elect a new Pope, people around the world are eager to see the Supreme Pontiff. In this edition, BETTY AMUKPO seeks the desires and expectations of the Conclave of some teens. They share their thoughts and reflections on the Conclave and the future of the Catholic Church. Excerpts:
‘We should always have hope and trust in God’s plan, even amid uncertainty’
First, the late Pope Francis emphasised that we should always have hope and trust in God’s plan, even amid uncertainty. In our hearts, hope dwells as the desire and expectation of good things to come, despite our not knowing what the future may bring. Desires and expectations should revolve around seeking God’s mercy, forgiveness and renewed sense of hope, drawing strength from the biblical promise of a future and hope in God (Jeremiah 29:11). May the grace of the jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven. May that the same grace spread the joy, love and forgiveness. Amen.
• Francis Chibunna Umennadi
‘May the Conclave reignite the passion for faith, unity, and service within the Church’
As a hopeful young pilgrim, I pray that the Conclave is led by the Holy Spirit in selecting leaders who are prayerful, brave, and loving towards the people of God. I look for our Church leaders to convey the truth, uphold the faith, and assist young people in drawing nearer to Christ. This is an opportunity for the Church to shine as a beacon of hope amid a world filled with difficulties. May the Conclave reignite the passion for faith, unity, and service within the Church. The Bible admonishes us to “Put your trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight; submit to Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5–6.
• Blossom Akalezi
‘We should seek God’s will’
Conclave is a meeting of Cardinals in seclusion to choose a Pope. As Pilgrims of hope, we are called to serve in faith. As the Conclave seeks for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we should seek God’s will. ‘I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring the future you hope for’, Jeremiah 29:11.
• Mokele Anita
‘I desire and expect that the next Pope will be according to God’s Holy will’
For the upcoming Conclave, I desire and expect that the next Pope will be according to God’s Holy will (Matthew 6:10); guided by the Holy Spirit, and he will be a good Shepherd that will be a credible witness to the teachings of Jesus; living his faith authentically, deeply rooted in the faith and demonstrates humility; a compassionate servant of God who embodies the title “servus servorum Dei” (servant of the servants of God), putting the needs of the Church and its people first (Luke 22:27). And a bridge-builder within the Church and the world, and should continue Pope Francis’ legacy—championing inclusivity, compassion, and outreach to the marginalised. (Luke 4:18-19).
• Promise Anyikaeme
‘I expect the Conclave to deepen our unity and rekindle our mission’
As a Pilgrim of Hope, my desire is that the Church continues to guide us in truth and love, and lead us to Christ. I expect the Conclave to renew our faith and deepen our unity and rekindle our mission— “I will give you shepherds after my own heart” The Church is the pillar and foundation of truth (1Timothy 3:15), (Jer. 3:15), “Be holy” (1 Pet. 1:16), “Go forth and make disciples of all nations.” (Matt. 28:19).
• Chimmamada Ogoke Anthonia
‘Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the conclave’
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you,” states Matthew 7:7-8. During the Conclave, Cardinals pray for guidance, seeking God’s will for the new Pope. As Pope Francis emphasised, “Prayer is not a passive act; it’s an active pursuit of God’s will.” (Source: Various papal addresses). Let’s pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the conclave.
• Agbo Josephine
‘I express my desires and expectations through prayer and faith, fully trusting in God’s sovereignty’
I express my desires and expectations through prayer and faith, fully trusting in God’s sovereignty as mentioned in Proverbs 19:21. I present my hopes and dreams to Him, aiming to align them with His divine will in line with 1 John 5:14. In all my endeavours, I seek His guidance and wisdom, trusting in His perfect and purposeful plan for my life, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11. My heart finds peace in knowing that God understands what is best, and through prayerful surrender, I have confidence that He will guide me along the right path, fulfilling His purpose in me.
• Arnold Akalezi
‘Surrender our desires and expectations to God’s will’
“Conclave;” one’s desire and expectation is a deep intimate relationship with God which involves deep prayer and reflection with the hope of having faith in God, while surrendering our desires and expectations to God’s will. It was written in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
• Eyinade Gideon
