Dear Cardinals...

In less than a week Cardinals will shutter themselves away in the Sistine Chapel and begin the Conclave. Many have seen the movie or read the book of the same name (the book is a bit better as if often the case...but that would be a different post) and the world's journalists, editorial pages, and pretty much anyone with a social media account are weighing in on what should be the priority and who should be the front runners.

One part of the process that is glossed over in both the book and film are these days between the funeral and the actual start of the sequestering of the Conclave. During these days there are gatherings that are actually quite structured - there are presentations or talks given, in addition each Cardinal has a few minutes to share or reflect. It is an opportunity to get to know one another, hear what issues may be of concern (spoiler - American politics both social and religious are not necessarily concerns of the rest of the world).

Between now and May 7 when the Conclave begins, a couple of our authors are sharing their "Dear Cardinal..." letters. These are their thoughts on what they would like these men to know as they discern the next Pope. We'd love to share your thoughts too. If you would like to offer what you would like the Cardinals to know or consider, even a brief paragraph, please feel free to reach out via the contact form on this page or make use of our DMs on social media.

Pope Francis left us in the midst of the Jubilee of Hope, let us honor his memory and his ministry by holding to that hope. May we pray for him, pray for the Church, and pray for the unruly, surprising, and life-giving Spirit to overwhelm and animate the Cardinals and the Conclave.