Habemus Papam!!

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Yes, we have a Pope (Habemus Papam).  I'm very excited to meet Pope Francis and get to know him - not personally of course but through his words and writings.

I can't tell you how very excited I was to hear on CBC that the white smoke has been sighted (the traditional signal that the College of Cardinals had selected a new Pope).  I ran to the computer to stream in the news live and watch.  I felt like I was there as the name of the new Pope was announced and Pope Francis eventually came out onto the balcony to address the faithful.  He asked for the prayers of the faithful around the world as he stepped into this new and daunting role as the head of the Church.  I was able to add my prayer alongside those of millions around the world for our spiritual leader.


Our previous Pope was a phenomenal writer and theologian. I am currently rereading Benedict XVI's Deus Charitas Est ("God Is Love").  His encyclicals and his three part series "Jesus of Nazareth" are amazing works of theology and biblical studies.  There will be critics who will remember Benedict only for his apparent inability to properly address the problems of the Catholic Church.  I will remember him for his incredible ability to teach me more about  Faith, Hope, and Love - ultimately, about God.

What Pope Francis will bring to the Church, only time will tell.  I'm hopeful that God will use this man to bring about wonderful things in the Church and in the world.  May God bless him in the new role that he has been entrusted with.

Deo Gloria
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