Which one will emerge as Holy Father?
As the cardinal electors convene in the Sistine Chapel to select a new Holy Father, Bishop Robert Barron says we need a pope who will quietly and firmly take charge of the Catholic Church with evangelical fervor. He thinks we need a papal referee, although I’m not sure I understand what he means.
Other commentators hope for a pope with an agenda for expanding the Church and strengthening it in places throughout the world where the Catholic faith is growing, where there are many new converts and candidates for the priesthood. Nigeria and Tanzania come to mind.
Then, of course, there are those who hope for the restoration of the Church to the glorious days of Pius XII and before the disastrous tsunami of the Second Vatican Council. Have you heard of Cardinal Burke? His miter could wear the acronym, “MOCGA'” or “Make Our Church Great Again.”
President Trump wants someone like himself elected and, in fact, the White House released yesterday an image of Trump as pope in golden vestments. Trump’s advisors thought the mock up was funny. The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops did not and issued a formal rebuke to “The Donald.”
Pundits throw out other names along with the odds of winning for each candidate. Cardinal Tagle of Manilla is odds on best choice to win, according to the journalists who seem to think that they know something. But then, there is another favorite: the experienced Vatican official, Cardinal Parolin. There are others mentioned but with less fervor: one from Hungary, another from the Congo and at least two red hats from Italy.
The secrecy surrounding the vowed public silence about the deliberations will keep us in doubt until the Cardinal Protodeacon (in this case Cardinal Dominique Mamberti) walks out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s and announces : “Habemus papam!” (“We have a pope!”)
We believers pray for these cardinals who have such an awesome responsibility. The excitement right now in and outside the Catholic church is a spark that could ignite both us and those who hope for the coming of the kingdom.
Habemus Papam!! So happy for the Catholic Church and for America!
Sorry Father, I have misplaced your email address. Anyway..just wanted to share the joy of this day with you. An American..nonetheless..a Chicago-an (..haha)!! Crazy isn’t it (?), but wonderful!! Bye now, take care!! God bless you, Father! From your cousin– jacq.
Hi Jacq – Not sure that you are getting my emails. I am thrilled with the new pontiff and hope that he will be a unifier.
I think young people will be inspired by his direction for the Church in the coming years.
(He is also a White Sox fan. They need his prayers)
Hope you and your family are well. You are in my prayers!
Blessings! Father jerry watt, C.R>.