Cardinal Leonardo Sandri emphasized the importance of servant leadership in the papacy during the fifth day of Novendiales Masses for Pope Francis. Celebrating Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Sandri highlighted the papal title “servant of the servants of God” and stressed the role of service and confirming Catholics in the faith. He noted that the ministry of the successor of Peter finds meaning in the paschal experience of Christ.
Sandri, vice dean of the College of Cardinals, encouraged cardinals to serve as witnesses to the Gospel, even to the shedding of blood. He also mentioned the upcoming conclave, where a new pope will be elected to continue Pope Francis’ vision, including the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. The new pope will lead the Church toward the 2,000-year anniversary of Redemption in 2033.