For the first time in its 31-month history, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels will remain open all night April 17 prior to the start of the April 18 conclave in Rome that will elect a new pope.

An all-night vigil will begin following a 7 p.m. prayer service April 17, with solemn exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the main altar and the rosary led each hour through the night until 7 a.m. Mass on April 18. All are welcome to come to the Cathedral "to join the college of cardinals in prayer," said Msgr. Kevin Kostelnik, pastor.

"All of us in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles have a special responsibility to pray intensely in assisting the college of cardinals in the selection and election of a new pope," said Msgr. Kostelnik, who noted that Los Angeles is one of a relative few dioceses in the world with a cardinal participating in the conclave.

The Cathedral celebrated daily Masses and prayer services during the nine-day period following the death of Pope John Paul II. Between April 2 and April 10, "we gave away 50,000 holy cards to people who attended liturgies here," said Msgr. Kostelnik. "One person told me, 'This was as close to Rome as I could get."

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is located at 555 W. Temple St., Los Angeles. Parking will be free during the overnight hours of April 17. For information, call (213) 680-5200.