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.