Bishop Barron shares his reflections on the second day of the conclave: it is a very important stage

On the morning of this May 8, Mons. Robert Barron, Bishop of Winona-Rochester (United States), published a Video on your social networks With a personal reflection on the development of the conclave in Rome, on its second day.

In his analysis, the bishop explained the dynamics planned for this May 8: “Today, while I speak to them, the third round of voting will be happening. It is a very important stage, because there will be seen if any name begins to gain support, or if a stagnation occurs, with each side receiving 30, 40 or 50 votes.”

He also recalled that to be chosen, the new Pope needs to reach 89 votes, a two -thirds plus one.

Mons. Barron did not rule out the possibility of an unexpected consensus: “If it is not achieved, you could start talking about commitment candidates. I have already mentioned Cardinal Pizzaballa, and also Cardinal Anders Arborelius, whom I have met several times and I admire a lot.”

In the video, the bishop tells how, at the time of recording, the vote is being carried out for the Cerara smoked In the conclave. According to their expectations, the white smoke could still take to appear.

“Let us remember that Francisco was chosen at the end of the first full day of voting, 12 years ago. That could be repeated. My intuition is that we may have a potato tomorrow. But we’ll see,” he explained.

The prelate also reflected on the importance of this choice for the Universal Church: “The Pope is the sign and the instrument of the unity of the Church. It is the successor of Peter, the rock. It should not be identified with a particular sect or group within the Church, but it is a symbol of its unity.”

Mons. Barron about the start of the conclave: “It moved me a lot”

The Bishop of Winona-Rochester recounted with emotion to have witnessed the entrance of the cardinals to the Sistine Chapel and the vibrant procession from the Pauline chapel.

“The cardinals processed from the Paulina chapel, with those impressive frescoes of Miguel Ángel – not as well known as those of the Sistine Chapel – that represent the conversion of St. Paul and the Crucifixion of San Pedro. From there they entered the Sistine Chapel, perhaps the most famous room in the world,” he said.

He also expressed his emotion to see the 133 Cardinals take the formal oath, one of the most solemn moments of the conclave: “Then, we saw them on the screens take the formal oath to keep the rules of the conclave, the secret and others. It was very moving to observe it.”

He also mentioned the personal relationship he maintains with several of the cardinals, which made this experience for him even more emotional: “Some have been known for a long time. In fact, Cardinal Wilton Gregory was my spiritual director in Mundelein, when I was a young seminarist. So it was emotional for me to see all this process.”

The Prelate also talked about the role played by the papal preacher Raniero Cantalamessa, who offered a meditation before the start of the vote: “We do not know how long he spoke or what he said, but he preached to them. Then he left, and the vote began,” he recalled.

When referring to the development of the first voting rounds, Barron commented: “As everyone expected, it was black smoke. The Pope is never chosen in the first vote: names usually arise, perhaps one of the most progressive wing, another of the most conservative wing.”

This process, according to the bishop, is characterized by an initial phase in which, although there are names that arise strongly, the necessary majority is not yet reached.

Finally, Bishop Barron urged the community to maintain prayers for the cardinals in this crucial process for the Church. “So let’s continue praying for them … and also pray for me. God bless you,” he concluded.