Bishop Strickland Describes Qualities He Hopes for in the Next Pope

On the first day, the Bishop Emeritus of Tyler asks for "The Spirit of Truth" with reference to John 8:32. He urges prayers "for a pope who will uphold the fullness of the truth without compromise, in charity and courage," so that he may be a pastor who will lead "the Church with clarity, courage, and fidelity."

On the second day, he calls for a pope who is a "defender of the faith," referring to Jude 1:3. He asks for reflection "on the need for a pope who will boldly defend the perennial teachings of the Church," a pope "who will preserve sacred tradition and guard the flock from error, who will restore reverence to the liturgy and devotion to the Holy Eucharist."

On the third day, he envisions the future pope as a "humble servant," citing Matthew 20:26, and invokes the model of humility, Christ himself. Thus, the future successor of St. Peter must be "meek and humble of heart, yet firm in his resolve to uphold [God’s] holy law."

On the fourth day, he asks for "zeal for souls" for the future pope. The reference is Luke 8:15. And he then states that “a pope must be consumed with love for souls, desiring their salvation above all else." A Pope is needed who will work “laboring tirelessly to bring lost souls into the fold" of the Lord.

On the fifth day, "fidelity to tradition" is requested for the future pope, with reference to 2 Thess 2:14. Bishop Strickland suggests praying "for a pope who cherishes the sacred traditions of the Church and hands them on whole and unaltered." He makes this request for "a pontiff who will cherish and restore the beauty of the ancient liturgy and the doctrine that has sanctified the ages."

On the sixth day, the novena asks for "courage amid persecution" for the pope to be chosen, in reference to 1 Cor 16:13. He explains that in "times of moral decay and hostility to the truth, a pope must be courageous, even unto martyrdom," and in particular, that he “fear no power on earth and remain unmoved by the winds of the world."

On the seventh day, Bishop Strickland desires for the pope "love for Our Lady," quoting John 19:27, because "a true pope is a devoted son of the Blessed Virgin Mary and entrusts the Church entirely to her maternal care." Addressing the Immaculate Heart of Mary, he asks her to “inspire the cardinals to choose a pope who will consecrate his pontificate to thee and who will call the world to repentance and conversion through thee."

On the eighth day, “unity in truth” is called for, in reference to John 17:21. Bishop Strickland explains that "unity cannot be built on compromise, but only on the fullness of revealed truth." And the request, which undoubtedly refers to the previous pontificate, seeks "a pontiff who unites the flock not through ambiguity, but through truth and charity."

On the ninth day, the novena requests the patronage of St. Pius X, desiring the "restoration of all things in Christ," according to Eph. 1:10. And the bishop explains that "the Church must be restored to her former splendor and mission – to bring all things under Christ the King." He asks for "a Vicar of Christ who will restore reverence, rebuild the ruins, and proclaim [Christ’s] kingship over the nations."

This list of qualities that the future Sovereign Pontiff should possess is clear and precise, far from certain flights of fancy or more or less political calculations, such as "neither right nor left." Several cardinals want the pope to be a "unifier." But the only way to unite and bring people together is to preach the Truth of Christ and it alone.