News and Issues
Papal Conclave News Resources
The Papal Conclave began on Tuesday, March 12. On Wednesday, March 13 white smoke issued from the Sistine Chapel, signifying the election of a new Roman Pontiff, Pope Francis. Stay updated on the latest news regarding the election of the new pope by reading the resources below.
The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde, Bishop of Arlington, Reacts to the Election of Pope Francis
News Sources, Articles, and Materials
News Coverage
Arlington Catholics Celebrate Pope Francis with Tuesday Mass (March 19)
Pope Francis Installation Mass Homily Text (March 19)
Cardinals elect Pope Francis, Argentinean Jesuit Jorge Mario Bergoglio (March 13)
White Smoke: Cardinals elect new pope on fifth ballot (March 13)
Cardinals take Oath of Secrecy as Conclave Begins (March 12)
Cardinals set Tuesday as start date for conclave (March 8)
Cardinals Still Have Not Set Date for Conclave (March 7)
Vatican Still Waiting for 5 Cardinals for Conclave (March 5)
Cardinals Begin Pre-Conclave Meetings (March 4)
Cardinals Set Date for Meetings About Next Pope (March 1)
Pope says he's going from humble servant to simple pilgrim (Feb. 28)
Pope Benedict XVI's Last Words on Eve of Resignation (Feb. 27)
Faithful Throw Big Farewell... from the Arlington Catholic Herald (Feb. 27)
Pope Delivers Farewell Address from the Arlington Catholic Herald (Feb. 27)
Bishop Loverde Reacts to the Pope's Resignation on NBC4 Washington (video) (Feb. 11)
Bishop Loverde's Statement on Pope Benedict XVI's Resignation (Feb. 11)
Blogs and News Sources
The Vatican Information Services Blog
National Catholic Register Coverage
Conclave Materials
Liturgical Notes and Resource Materials for use Upon the Resignation of the Pope
Conclave: Step by Step Through the Papal Interregnum
A Prayer for the next Sovereign Pontiff
Heavenly Father
Holding to Christ's promise that His Church is built on the invincible Rock of Truth, we, Your children, beseech You:
Give us a Shepherd after your own heart-- endowed with supernatural wisdom and courage, with unshakeable faith and deep humility, capable of sacrificial service. May he be zealous to defend Holy Mother Church, her sacred teaching, the integrity of her sacraments and her persecuted members throughout the world.
We invoke the Holy Spirit upon the coming conclave--to reveal with clarity and convincing force the man You have chosen to succeed Peter in these trying times.
And may the powerful intercessions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Help of Christians and Mother of the Church, inspire and uphold all the Cardinal Electors, thwart any interference of the evil one and protect the next Bishop of Rome from every effort to harm or disarm him. Amen.
Other Resources
The blog of the Diocese of Arlington
Blog posts by Director of VCC
