Kerala churches to hold special prayers as pope resigns

March 2, 2013: Churches in the South Indian state of Kerala are to hold special prayers for the Universal church and the Pope. The Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council (KCBC) has in its circular asked all churches to offer a special prayer from March 1 as the Holy See lies vacant and the Vatican begins preparations to elect the new Pope.

The circular sent by the KCBC to all parishes stated that the election of the supreme head should be considered as a joint effort of the church.

"Though only cardinals can attend the conclave, all the religious and the laity should participate in it through their prayers," the circular said.

The prayer for the election of the pope asks for a shepherd who understands the challenges of the modern world and can lead and protect the church.