Habemas Papam

I was just about to turn in for the night - having written an email or two - when I heard cheering.

So I flipped back to the tab which I had opened on BBC's "smoke-stack cam" - and there was smoke coming out of a chimney.  Not any chimney of course - but the one on top of the Sistine Chapel  It was night so what colour was it?  White or black?  Were the searchlights colouring it white?  Then the bells began to chime.  The smoke was white.  The thousands in St. Peter's square were cheering - which was the sound that I had heard.

Two days earlier we had watched as some of the 115 cardinals had made oaths of secrecy.  Then everyone was ordered out.  The servants and attendents filed out - as did other priests - leaving behind the red-robed cardinals to choose one of them to be the next pope.  The next leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

With the closing of the door - the focus was on the chimney.   4 times smoke billowed out - each time black - signalling that the 2/3rds plus one majority was not achieved to select one of their number to be the next pope.

Now the cardinals have spoken.  Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, Argentina has been chosen to be the first non-European pope - and has chosen the name Francis I as his papal name.

What will the new Pope do with the great challenges that his flock face?

When his predecessor switched from being called Joseph Ratzinger to be known as Benedict the 16th, he was known as a fiery defender of the faith.  A man who made his views clear and plain and who was determined to steer the great ship of the church towards orthodoxy.   Eight years later, the world was shocked when Benedict announced his retirement stating that his health did not allow him to do justice to the tasks upon him as pope.

My father was once asked whether he was the 'pope of this church?'   The tourist visiting Mussoorie saw Dad standing outside Kellogg memorial church and asked the question politely.  Dad answered that he was not 'the pope of that church' and in turn asked the tourist whether he knew it was 'good Friday' and why it was called 'good Friday in the first place?   A good discussion took place.

But back in Rome this evening, the new Bishop of Rome, Francis I was introduced by the Latin Habemas Papam (we have a Pope).  As a follower of Jesus Christ - my hope for every other Christ-follower - be they the Pope or a pauper - is that they live out the truth and love of our Lord Jesus.  Pope Francis I has big shoes to wear since 1.2 billion people in this world see him as their spiritual shepherd. 

As the 265th successor to St. Peter (by one way of counting at least) he must not look back at his predecessors - but upwards to the Christ.