Filipino Catholics pray for compassionate new Pope ahead of Vatican conclavebr br As Roman Catholic cardinals at the Vatican prepare to start their conclave to elect a new Pope, Catholics in the Philippines who attended mass on Wednesday, May 7, prayed for a leader who will embody the compassion, justice, and humility of Christ.br br “May he truly radiate the life of Christ, the mercy, the compassion, the justice of Christ,” said parish priest Hans Magdurulang. “Justice, not just about the victims or war, and crimes, but justice for the poor, justice for the environment, justice for the little people."br br A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries will enter the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday, up from 115 from 48 nations in the last conclave in 2013. They will be locked away and barred from contact with the outside world as they choose the man to succeed Pope Francis.