The Holy See has issued a declaration in which the cardinals preparing for the upcoming conclave called upon the faithful to support them through prayer.

“As the College of Cardinals gathers in Rome for the General Congregations in preparation for the Conclave, we invite the People of God to embrace this moment in the Church as a time of grace and spiritual discernment, seeking to understand God’s will,” the statement read.

Acknowledging the weight of their responsibility in selecting the next Successor of Peter, the Cardinals expressed a deep need for the prayers of the faithful.

They emphasized that prayer is “the true force that fosters unity within the Church, binding together all members of the Body of Christ.”

“In light of the immense responsibility before us and the urgency of the present moment,” they continued, “we must become humble instruments of our Heavenly Father’s infinite wisdom and providence, remaining open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

The Cardinals affirmed that the Holy Spirit is “the guiding force in the life of the People of God—the One we must attentively listen to as He speaks to the Church.”

They concluded the declaration with a plea for divine help: “May the Blessed Virgin Mary accompany our prayers with her maternal intercession.”