On the eve of the conclave, 173 Catholic cardinals gathered for their final general congregation and issued a heartfelt appeal for world peace. In a joint statement, they expressed concern over the lack of progress in peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other conflict-ridden areas.
The cardinals urged prayers for a just and lasting peace and called for an immediate ceasefire, negotiations without preconditions, and an end to attacks on civilian populations. They emphasized the need for peace and asked the faithful to support their appeal through prayer.