The anticipation surrounding the conclave to elect the Pope to succeed Francis has been enormous, not only in the media, among politicians and thinkers, but also on television, newspapers, and social media. Believers and non-believers alike have followed this event with respect, without mockery or anti-clerical criticism.

According to Father Enrique Cases, this general attitude reflects the perception that the world is going through a serious crisis. Decades ago, some intellectuals had already warned of a change of era, an epochal crisis. In this context, people are looking for moral and intellectual authorities who can offer solutions, and the papacy maintains unquestionable moral authority.

This crisis is manifested in the multiplicity of wars and armed conflicts, as well as in a profound moral crisis, especially in the West. Given this reality, the Pope becomes a fundamental figure. Pope Leo XIV is an important example, and the new Pope, whose career combines intellectual formation and pastoral experience in America and the Roman Curia, inspires sympathy for his reflective nature and preparation.

The Pope acts freely, but his primary mission, entrusted by Jesus Christ, is to confirm his brothers and sisters in the faith. Throughout history, the 267 Popes have protected the faith without theological or moral error, which Father Cases considers a miracle, the fruit of divine help to fallible men.

Each Pope has his own style and way of acting: Francis, extroverted and approachable; Benedict XVI, reserved and intellectual; John Paul II, a mystical philosopher. This diversity enriches the Church and attracts different people.

The election of the Pope is also the work of the Holy Spirit, although the cardinals choose freely. Catholics should support the Pope with obedience and prayer, trusting that these prayers have real and concrete effects.

A recent example is the pending canonization of Carlo Acutis, a young Italian whose tomb in Assisi has attracted a million people and witnessed numerous miracles attributed to his intercession. This confirms, according to Father Cases, that the world needs profound changes and that faith and prayer are essential tools for overcoming the divisions that so harm humanity.

Finally, Father Enrique Cases invites us to unite with faith and hope in this new stage of the Church, with the Latin phrase that summarizes his message: Omnis cum Petro, et per Mariam — All with Peter and Jesus through Mary.