As we begin the "novemdiales" for Pope Francis and prepare for the Papal Conclave, please pray the Rosary daily for the repose of Pope Francis's soul and for the election of a good and holy successor. Pope Francis recommended adding this prayer to St. Joseph - called "To Thee O Blessed Joseph" (Ad Te Beate Ioseph) - to the end of the Rosary. St. Joseph is the "protector of the Church," and this prayer would be particularly appropriate as we pray for a pope who will guide the Church in holiness and truth

To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we come in our tribulation, and having implored the help of your most holy spouse, we confidently invoke your patronage also. Through that charity which bound you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God and through the paternal love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ has purchased by His Blood, and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ; O most loving father, ward off from us every contagion of error and corrupting influence; O our most mighty protector, be propitious to us and from heaven assist us in our struggle with the power of darkness; and, as once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril, so now protect God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity; shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection, so that, supported by your example and your aid, we may be able to live piously, to die holy, and to obtain eternal happiness in Heaven.

Amen.