Grace and peace – from him who is and who was and who is to come.
As the papal conclave is about to begin in Rome, priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the election of the Pope, according to the guidelines of the liturgical calendar. Mass offered in each deanery for the attendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable. The Mass for the Election of a Pope or Bishop (found in the section “Masses and Prayers for Various Occasions”, I. For Holy Church, 4. For the Election of a Pope or Bishop) may be celebrated. The proper readings may be found in Volume IV of the Lectionary for Mass, nos. 833-837.
The homily could offer the opportunity to reflect on the Petrine ministry and its role within the Church. It also allows the homilist to instruct the faithful in the relationship between the local and universal Church.
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer in the Liturgia Horarum Breviary may also be celebrated and on days when there is no obligatory memorial, feasts, or solemnities, the closing prayer may be taken from the Mass for the Election from the Roman of a Pope or Bishop.
The faithful are exhorted to offer their private prayers, works, and almsgiving for the successful election of a new Supreme Pontiff. The simple custom of frequently praying the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father for this intention is encouraged. The election of the new Pope should be prayed for in the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
For the Holy Spirit to inspire and strengthen the cardinal electors as they choose a new Holy Father to lead the Church on earth: let us pray to the Lord.
For the College of Cardinals in its electoral process, that it may be a worthy vehicle of God’s grace as it guides the Church: let us pray to the Lord.
For the Holy Spirit, that it may work strongly within the next Pope chosen by the College of Cardinals: let us pray to the Lord.
Upon the election of the new Pope, priests in every parish might consider offering a special Mass for the newly elected Pope according to the guidelines of the liturgical calendar. Mass offered in each deanery for the attendance of as many of the faithful as possible is desirable. If it is the day of the election of the Pope, then the Mass for the Pope (especially on the anniversary of election) is appropriate. This Mass cannot be used on the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter, solemnities, Ash Wednesday, and the weekdays of Holy Week. The Mass text is found in the section, “Masses and Prayers for Various Occasions”, I. For Holy Church, 2. For the Pope in the Roman Missal.
Again, the faithful are exhorted to pray for the newly elected Holy Father in their private prayers. The recitation of the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father for the intentions of the Pope is encouraged. The newly elected Pope should be prayed for in the recitation of the Holy Rosary.
Petitions for the universal prayer may be offered:
For our new Holy Father N., that he may be strengthened as he embarks on his ministry of unity, love, and peace: let us pray to the Lord;
For our recently elected Holy Father N., working together with the bishops of the Church, that he may build up the Body of Christ in peace and in joy: let us pray to the Lord;
For our newly elected Holy Father N., that he may be a champion of the poor, a reconciler of nations, and a force for peace and unity in our world: let us pray to the Lord;
For more on the papal conclave, visit the USCCB website at www.usccb.org. See also www.usccb.org/resources/liturgical-notes-pope-francis-ENG.pdf beginning on page 9ff.
I also encourage you to look at The Good Newsroom website for official archdiocesan statements.