WCC NEWS: Taize prayer will lift up conclave for “a listening heart”

An ecumenical prayer written by Br Matthew of the Taize community is being offered globally to mark the election the new bishop of Rome.  Candles lit around a cross, as a prayer service is held in the Saint Stephen Church in Karlsruhe with songs from Taizé in the lead-up to the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe, Germany, 2022. Photo: Albin Hillert 06 May 2025 The prayer also includes songs from Taizé. “We give you thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis, for the paths he has opened to proclaim the good news of your love in today’s world,” reads the prayer. “On the eve of the conclave, we ask you to send your Holy Spirit upon those who have been given the responsibility of choosing his successor as Bishop of Rome.” The prayer asks for a listening heart, wisdom, and humility for all the cardinals and for all those involved in the preparations for the conclave. “Always renew our hope and bless the one you will call to be a servant of unity among your people and a witness to hope and peace in the human family, attentive to the lowly and the needy, for your kingdom belongs to them,” reads the prayer.  The prayer expresses gratitude for the life and service of Pope Francis, praying for those who were at the heart of his ministry: people living on the world’s existential margins— migrants, the poor, and so many others. The prayer also lifts up the Church of England and the whole Anglican Communion, for the process of appointing the person called to serve as Archbishop of Canterbury.  The World Council of Churches will use the special liturgy during its midday prayer on 6 May. Reflection at the midday prayer will be offered by Rev Dr Andrzej Choromanski from Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity. All are invited to join the online prayer on 6 May at 12:30 CEST. All are also invited to prepare local ecumenical services following the outline Taizé has prepared. Join the online prayer on 6 May at 12:30 CEST Suggested service order: Ecumenical prayer for the Conclave (Taizé community) See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland