A Mystery Guided by the Holy Spirit

During a Conclave, the question that resonates in many hearts is inevitable: Who will be the next Pope? Priests often receive this concern, as if they could anticipate what only the Holy Spirit knows. However, this election is shrouded in a mystery that surpasses any prediction or political analysis.

Father Ángel Espinosa de los Monteros shares an interesting reflection on this topic, highlighting that not even experts on Vatican matters are usually correct in their predictions. The election of a Pope is not a matter of statistics, but a process of profound discernment, where the Holy Spirit acts through the cardinals gathered in prayer and deliberation.

A Critical View on the Portrayal of the Conclave in Film

Father Espinosa comments on the film Conclave, a production that attempts to portray the moments of the papal election. However, he believes the film fails to capture the reality of the process, presenting implausible and sensational situations that have little to do with the current state of the Church. “I don’t even recommend that you go see it,” he states emphatically, emphasizing that the film distorts the atmosphere of respect and discernment that truly exists in a conclave.

The film shows fictional scenes intended to shock, but Father Ángel emphasizes that, in reality, cardinals undergo rigorous scrutiny before occupying a position of such magnitude. “Today we are all in the sights of cameras, social media, investigations; everything is known,” he explains, noting how transparency and oversight are much greater today.

True discernment: beyond appearances

Electing the next Pope is not a simple process. In a world where even small communities experience differences of opinion, imagining the level of discussion in a conclave is daunting. However, Father Espinosa insists that the Holy Spirit acts in this process, guiding the cardinals in their decision, not toward the “perfect” candidate, but toward the one who can best guide the Church in their historical moment.

He also points out that authentic discernment is not influenced by the names the media place as favorites, since often those who seem most likely are not chosen. Historical examples such as the election of Karol Wojtyła and Pope John Paul II demonstrate that the Holy Spirit can surprise the world.

The Importance of Prayer

What can we, the faithful, do in this process? Father Espinosa answers clearly: pray. Pray that the Holy Spirit enlighten each cardinal in their decision, so that personal ambitions or particular interests are set aside, and God’s will prevails. “You can’t think about yourself; think about the Church,” he emphasizes, underlining the need for pure and honest discernment.

The next Pope will be the one chosen by the Holy Spirit, and our mission as a Church is to pray and trust that this election will be for the good of the Church and the entire world.

May the Holy Spirit always guide our Church and its pastors. Let us do all the good we can. May God bless you.