2025 Mercy Mock Papal Conclave

Mercy has spent the past six days fully immersed in a mock Papal Conclave, led by our Religious Studies teachers. After four rounds of voting, no candidate received the required 2/3 majority, so 'black smoke' rises from the ‘chimney’ on display in our Reception Area. While Cardinal Tagle (Philippines) and Cardinal Zuppi (Italy) consistently led the votes, neither reached the 66% needed to be elected.

What’s been truly remarkable is the depth of thoughtful discussion and critical thinking among our students. They not only learned how a Pope is elected, but also explored what it means to lead a global Church that spans cultures, languages, and experiences. Check out the online student-produced Newsprint article here and learn more here about the conclave and the selection process. When white smoke rises, we’ll proclaim “Habemus Papam.”

At this point, we suspend our Mercy voting and come together as a community in prayer—for Pope Francis and for the Cardinals who will gather in conclave. May they be guided by the Holy Spirit in their discernment.

Come, Holy Spirit, Lord and Giver of Life. 

Descend upon the Sacred College of Cardinals. 

Illuminate their minds. Purify their hearts. 

Conform their wills to yours.

Guard them against the snares of ambition, fear, and faction. 

Clothe them in humility, wisdom, and holy courage.

Come, Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude.

Overshadow the conclave with your Divine Presence.

Let no voice be louder than yours.

Let no desire reign but the desire for your greater glory. 

Sanctify their deliberations. Sanctify their silence. 

Sanctify the man whom you have chosen.

Come, Spirit of Fire and Mercy.

Prepare the soul of the future vicar of Christ. 

Strengthen him to bear the keys of Peter. 

Inflame his heart with zeal for the Gospel, tenderness for the wounded, and boldness against the darkness of this age.

O Holy Spirit, we abandon ourselves to your holy will. 

Amen.