Well, I have the TV on and they have had another papal vote. The smoke appeared dark at first, then white, and as yesterday, the commentators were nearly beside themselves trying to guess. I don’t know why they can’t be patient! It’s such an instant gratification kind of world. More on that in another blog entry!
Now the bells at St Peter’s Square are ringing and the smoke looks white, and there are thousands of people there, actually cheering in the plaza. So, apparently they have elected a new pope. Haven’t heard yet who it is or what name he will take.
I actually get quite a charge out of watching this stuff. I enjoy the history and ritual of it, but I must admit, I get quite a kick out of listening to these silly news commentators. 🙂
OK – Update, they just opened the doors (I guess to the papal apartment) and a cardinal has come out to announce the pope. It’s ….. the german cardinal they had considered the “frontrunner” – Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany. He will take the name of Pope Benedict XVI (the 16th)
Unfortunately I think that Ratzinger was a poor choice by the vatican. They are lucky that he’s as old as he is.
1) He’s a hardline ‘traditionalist’ falling in line with John Paul II.
2) He was in Hitler Youth as a child.
3) He’s very politically minded and wrote a letter to the EU pleading for them to not allow Turkey to join.
4) He’s for reducing the number of roles available to women in the church.
On the flip side, he’ll be our first hexidecimal pope. Pope Benedict 0x10.
As a former catholic, I lament the decision.
Just realized that someone might mis-read my prev comment to mean that I am /now/ no longer catholic /because/ of this choice. That isn’t the case. I left the catholic church in favour of protestant teachings over a decade ago. Just wanted to clarify.
Add A Comment