The pope’s conclave

AS SOON as the news of Pope Benedict’s resignation broke, I immediately went over my notes on Church History. I dug the pages of my notes as to whom among the Popes have had the same scenario. I saw few had made the resignation but it was not made official for communication was not that fast as of that time. As soon as the news would go out of the Vatican or wherever the Pope was, the new Pope had already assumed office, thus, it was not given that importance. In fact, those who had resigned before were not that popular as the Pope Today.

Today, I have seen experienced three elections of the Pope – John Paul I, John Paul II and Benedict XVI. I did not remember well the election of Pope John Paul I. But when Pope John Paul II was elected Pope, I could remember that when my grandmother learned about it that the Pope came from a communist state, I saw a tear fall from her eyes and soon when my Mom heard of the news (delayed telecast) and saw the Polish Pope coming out of St. Peter’s balcony, she also shed some tears. I was not sure whether those were tears of joy or tears of fear. Fear, I guess for the tradition had been broken. After quite a number of centuries, a non-Italian Pope was elected. The next thing I knew, I became a fan of the polish Pope. I even had my high school term paper in English (1986) dedicated to the study of his life.

In 2005, the election of Pope Benedict XVI, I was a little too observant of the things happening in Rome. I was glued on the tube from the death of John Paul II (sede vacante) until the declaration of “Habemus papam.”

I remembered the night that the news broke out that the “white smoke” had already come out of the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. I immediately opened the television and the PC for the news. The whole world was also waiting for whom the chair of Peter shall go. As the announcement was made, it was as expected. The anointed one had been chosen as Successor of St. Peter and the visible Head of the Church. The best friend of John Paul II was chosen as the new Pope. My daughter was beside me as I excitedly listened to the Latin phrases as to the name of the new Pope.

My daughter told me that he will get the name “Benedict” and as it was proclaimed, it was really it. I rejoiced in my seat as the whole world rejoiced for the new Pope.

Today, March 12, marks a great day in the life of each Catholic around the world. We are requested to pray for the conclave that they elect the new Pope that is the will of the Father and the person who will lead the whole Church as it journeys to through rough and trying times.

The Cardinals shall be in solitude and in deep prayer as they elect our new Pope. The rule of secrecy is imposed upon each of the cardinal. No one shall speak to anyone the proceedings inside the Sistine Chapel. Any breach of such information secrecy will invalidate the whole proceedings and conclave shall become a failure. But, as the Holy Spirit moves in mysterious ways, we leave it to the Holy Spirit in guiding the minds of the “Princes” of the Catholic Church.

So as we do our usual deeds, let us say a prayer to help our Cardinals choose the right person.

The only thing that saddens me today is that there are a lot of speculations and predictions (that are useless) that the social media is publishing. These should be stopped and restraint and prudence should be exercised before posting anything on the social network. It confuses the faithful and for those who have nothing to do, do something fruitful and spiritual during this Lenten season.

St. Lorenzo Ruiz, St. Ezekiel Moreno, St. Pedro Calungsod, Blessed John Paul II and Sir Faraon Lopez, pray for us.