By the VATICAN MEDIA
Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, left, walks with Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi at the Vatican, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
The College of Cardinals appealed for peace and permanent ceasefire as they gathered in General Congregation before the beginning of the Conclave at the Vatican.
The Cardinals noted "with regret" that no progress has been made in promoting peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East, and in many other parts of the world.
"On the contrary, attacks - especially those harming the civilian population - have intensified," they said in a statement issued on Tuesday, May 6.
The cardinals made "a heartfelt appeal to all parties involved to reach, as soon as possible, a permanent ceasefire and to negotiate - without preconditions and further delays - the peace so deeply desired by the affected populations and by the entire world."
They urged the faithful to "intensify their supplication to the Lord for a just and lasting peace."
A total of 173 Cardinals, including 130 Cardinal electors, participated in the twelfth General Congregation on Tuesday, the day before the beginning of the Conclave.
According to the Vatican News, their discussion focused on the reforms of Pope Francis that need to be carried forward, particularly the legislation on abuse, economic issues, the Roman Curia, synodality, work for peace, and care for creation.
They also emphasized the call for the new Pope to be a “Pontifex, a builder of bridges, a shepherd, a master of humanity, and the face of a Samaritan Church.”
On Wednesday, May 7, the Cardinals will be transported from Casa Santa Marta to the Apostolic Palace in choir dress for the entrance into the Conclave.