INDIANAPOLIS (OSV News) — A day before the conclave to elect a new pope began May 7, Bill Bickel sent an email to his friend of 46 years, Cardinal Robert F. Prevost.

In the email, the associate director of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis wrote, “Please know that Flor and I are holding you in our prayers during this historic moment in our Church. We trust the Holy Spirit will be with you, guiding you with wisdom and filling you with peace.”

A short while later, Cardinal Prevost responded, “Thanks, Bill. We all pray that the Spirit will be our guide!—Bob.”

Two days after that email exchange, Bickel became overwhelmed with emotion when he watched on television as his friend was introduced as Pope Leo XIV, the new leader of the universal church.

He listened in amazeme

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