This Wednesday, May 7, the Church enters a deeply sacred and historic moment: the beginning of the Conclave to elect the next successor of Peter. For us at Tepeyac Leadership—a global apostolate forming lay Catholics for leadership in civil society—this is a time not only to watch, but to pray, reflect, and spiritually accompany the heart of the Church.
As reported by Catholic News Agency, the College of Cardinals met in twelve general congregations from April 22 to May 6. These gatherings, held behind closed doors, brought together both electors and non-electors in prayerful discernment on the state of the Church and its path forward. Attendance steadily increased over the course of these meetings, beginning with approximately 60 cardinals on April 22 and growing to over 180 by April 29. The final session saw 173 cardinals gathered, including 130 electors who will now enter into Conclave.
Though the Vatican provided daily summaries, these briefings did not fully reflect the depth and breadth of the conversations. Still, several recurring and urgent themes became clear—issues the cardinals must now carry into the Sistine Chapel as they seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in electing a new pope.
Among the critical matters being weighed:
The crisis of vocations to the priesthood, religious and consecrated life, and sacramental marriage—challenging the Church to renew its witness to vocation and human love.
Divisions within the Church, which strain unity and call for a pastor capable of healing wounds and fostering communion.
Evangelization, as the Church seeks to proclaim the Gospel with clarity, joy, and missionary zeal in an increasingly secularized world.
The sexual abuse crisis, which continues to demand a response grounded in justice, healing, and unyielding commitment to reform.
Vatican finances, which must reflect transparency, accountability, and faithful stewardship of the Church’s resources.
War and global conflict, which cry out for moral clarity and the Church’s unwavering commitment to peace and the dignity of every human life.
These concerns are not confined to Rome—they are echoed in every diocese, parish, family, and community around the world. They are challenges we as lay Catholics encounter every day, especially in our call to lead with faith in the heart of civil society.
As this decisive moment begins, we urge every member of the TLI family to lift the Church in prayer. Pray for the cardinal electors, that they may be attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Pray for unity, for wisdom, and for the grace to discern the shepherd our Church now needs—one rooted in truth, mercy, and bold leadership.
And let us renew our own vocation to lead. As the Church prepares to receive a new pope, may we recommit ourselves to serving the mission of Christ with integrity, vision, and love—wherever we are called.
Cristofer Pereyra is the CEO of Tepeyac Leadership, Inc., a global Catholic apostolate dedicated to forming lay Catholics for leadership in civic society. Follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn
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