As many of you know, our Roman Catholic siblings are preparing to gather in Rome for a conclave of cardinals, tasked with discerning who will serve as the next pope following the recent death of Pope Francis. While we in the Lutheran tradition do not look to the papacy for authority in the same way, this is nevertheless a deeply significant moment in the life of the global Church—one that calls for our attention, our compassion, and our prayers.

For all our theological differences, we share a deeper unity: as we say each Sunday, we are “one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church.” That ancient creed reminds us that the Church is more than our denominations and doctrines—it is the whole body of Christ, bound together in baptism and in our shared confession that Jesus is Lord. When one part of the body grieves or seeks new leadership, the whole body feels it. And so, as brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to pray.

The pope holds a unique and powerful role—not only as the shepherd of more than a billion Catholics, but also as a moral and spiritual voice on the world stage. His witness reaches far beyond Vatican walls. Though we as Lutherans are not bound by his teachings, we are still affected by his presence, and by the vision he casts for Christian discipleship in this world.

We give thanks for the life and ministry of Pope Francis—a man whose papacy was marked by humility, tenderness, and a deep concern for the poor, the displaced, and the planet. He reminded the world again and again that mercy is at the very heart of the Gospel. His leadership encouraged all of us to imagine a Church that is less triumphal and more compassionate, less institutional and more pastoral.

As the cardinals prepare to elect a new pope, let us pray for them in particular: that they may be led by the Holy Spirit to choose someone of courage, wisdom, and faithfulness, someone shaped by the love of Christ and committed to servant leadership. And let us also pray that whomever is chosen will be open to the continued work of ecumenical dialogue and the healing of old divisions.

Martin Luther, in his “Exhortation to Prayer,” urged the faithful to pray daily “for the whole Church, that unity and harmony may prevail.” And so we should. In these days of discernment for the Roman Church, may we be drawn again to that deep longing for unity—not sameness, but a unity of spirit and purpose. May our prayers be a sign of that hope. And let us trust that the same God who has led the Church through so many seasons is even now doing a new thing—guiding us all toward greater faithfulness, together.

In Christ,

Pastor Luther