Parish Priest of the St. Patrick Catholic Church at Atomic in Accra, Reverend Father Emmanuel Salifu, has called on the College of Cardinals to elect a pope who is deeply rooted in the heart and teachings of Jesus Christ, rather than one swayed by worldly interests.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Wednesday, May 7, Father Salifu offered a heartfelt prayer for the ongoing conclave in Rome, where cardinals have begun the sacred process of electing a new leader for the global Catholic Church following the passing of Pope Francis.

"We want a Pope who is after the heart of Jesus, we want a disciple of Jesus who is not interested in what the world wants, because the Church is not led by the world, the Church is led by Christ and the Church must lead the world to Christ and not the other way round," he said.

"What we must not do is to try and engage in the world's politics," he added.

His comments come at a pivotal moment for the Catholic faithful around the world, as the Church stands at a historical crossroads in the wake of Pope Francis' death.

The conclave, which is to be held on May 7 within the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, is a centuries-old tradition where cardinal-electors are sequestered from external influence until a consensus is reached on the next Supreme Pontiff.

Father Salifu’s remarks reflect the growing desire among many Catholic clergy and laity for a spiritual leader who will uphold traditional values, foster moral clarity, and lead with humility and compassion.

The Ghanaian Catholic community has joined millions across the globe in prayer and reflection as the world awaits the white smoke that will signal the election of a new pope.