At 2 PM for those of us on the east coast, the pope retires and Catholics around the world begin a time of prayer for guidance of the Holy Spirit for the cardinals charged with the overwhelming task of choosing the next Pope.
The Prayer for the Election of a Pope
O God, Eternal Shepherd, who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love a Pastor for your Church
who will please you by his holiness
and to us show watchful care.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit
one God forever and ever.
