In anticipation of a future papal conclave, the General Congregation of Cardinals recently heard reflections from two speakers, including The Right Reverend Donato Ogliari O.S.B. Abbot Ogliari, who currently serves as abbot of the Benedictine monastery at Saint Paul Outside the Walls, delivered his address on Monday, 28 April. His meditation centered on the needs of the Church as they relate to the upcoming conclave and emphasized the importance of synodality.

In his address to the cardinals, Abbot Ogliari stressed several crucial points for the Church and its future leadership:

• The Centrality of Christ Jesus: He strongly emphasized that Christ must be at the absolute heart of the Church's mission and actions. He cited Jesus' invitation, "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened", and Peter's response, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life". Without Christ, the Church risks becoming a "cold and sterile institution". Anchoring in this certainty protects against worldly seductions and the dilution of the Gospel.
• Meekness and Humility: These virtues were presented as central to Christian life and essential for leaders, reflecting Christ's example.
• The Freedom of the Spirit: Drawing on Jesus' words that "The wind blows where it wills", Ogliari spoke of the Spirit's unpredictable yet visible guidance for the Church. This requires openness and continuous conversion.
• The "Upper Room" and Synodality: He used the image of the "upper room" as a place of communion and mission. The early Church gathered there "with one accord" and received the Spirit for mission. He connected this to synodality, describing it as a "clear sign of the times" and a "work of the Spirit" that promotes integration between hierarchy and laity, revitalizing communion and participation. Synodality is seen as a revitalization of Christianity as "the Way".
• Challenges Facing the Church: Ogliari acknowledged both external challenges in the world (like anthropological shifts, conflicts, secularization, technology's impact, migration) and internal challenges within the Church (like sexual abuse, declining vocations, pastoral approaches, the role of women, clericalism). He urged facing these with courage and discernment, emphasizing the path of dialogue. Despite challenges, he noted the immense good the Church does and the witness of those facing persecution.
• The Church as a "Workshop": Using the image from Jeremiah, he described the Church as clay in God's hands, being shaped and reshaped with patience. Patience, he noted, is crucial for hope and perseverance.

Born in Erba, Italy, in 1956, Donato Ogliari felt an early call to the priesthood. He was ordained a priest on 3 July 1982. After initial formation with the Consolata Missionaries, he entered the Benedictine order, making solemn vows in 1992. He held various administrative roles, including editor of the magazine "La Scala" and Novice master. Ogliari was elected abbot of Madonna della Scala in 2006. On 23 October 2014, Pope Francis appointed him territorial abbot of Monte Cassino Abbey, where he served until 2022. He became the 192nd abbot of Montecassino. In June 2022, Pope Francis appointed him abbot of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, his current role. He was also made a member of the Dicastery for Bishops in July 2022. Ogliari is fluent in English, Flemish, and Italian.

Concluding his reflection, Abbot Ogliari imagined the Sistine Chapel during a potential conclave as a new "upper room". It is a place where, though physically closed ("conclave" suggesting being locked in), it is intended to be wide open to the whole world through the working of the Holy Spirit. He encouraged the cardinals to allow the Spirit's freedom to work in their deliberations, renewing and purifying hearts and minds. His hope is that the Spirit will be the principal actor, shaping minds and illuminating eyes for the good of the Church and the world.