Wednesday 7 May, the Cardinals and more than 5,000 faithful gathered in St Peter's Basilica for the Mass for the Election of the Pope.Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, presided over the celebration,

A papal conclave blends the political and the spiritual, cardinals and theologians say. Here, in Catholic belief, is how the Holy Spirit fits in.

As the cardinals gather in conclave beginning today, May 7, the Church and all people of goodwill are invited to pray this prayer.