The Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Accra, Bishop John Kobina Louis, has emphasised that the process of electing a new pope is a deeply spiritual exercise, not one driven by politics or personal ambition.

His remarks come in the wake of the passing of Pope Francis, which has triggered the Catholic Church’s preparations for the papal conclave, a solemn assembly of 135 cardinals tasked with selecting the next pontiff.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Monday, April 21, Bishop Louis stressed that although cardinals physically cast their votes, the decision is ultimately guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer and reflection.

According to him, the conclave is grounded in faith, and not in lobbying or political strategy, as the Church collectively seeks divine direction in choosing its next leader.

“This is not a political election. It is all based on the fact that God makes a choice among the 135 cardinals who meet in Rome right after the funeral for the conclave. These cardinals, in a moment of prayer and the whole church accompanying them in prayer, will make a choice.

“They will first make a straw ballot for who they think should be the pope and as a few emerge, they become if you like, those who would be voted for and the process has to continue till at least two-thirds of the cardinals choose one particular one who stands out and of course with prayers accompanying.

“We do not know who is God’s choice for the Catholic Church, so we keep praying,” he said.