March 14, 2013
Well, it was quite a day. I was wondering why we had had no black smoke after the fourth scrutiny. I guess it was all wrapped up by then. But what were they thinking to wait a whole hour after the announcement, with the poor, soaking faithful in the square, and us hanging feverishly before our computers.
Wasn’t he dear standing there with his arms down, and the dry humor of his first words. His cassock seemed to fit nicely on his chubby little frame. And thank God he broke the tradition and took a non-papal name. Aside from “Linus, Cletus, Clement etc”, most papal names are loaded. If he wanted his to make a statement, this has to be a good one.
We had ice cream for dessert. By the time we got to dinner, we deserved it. Viva il papa. I would guess that his doctrinal conservatism would allay fears of that element of the people, so that if he’s socially progressive and willing to reform the bank and the curia, he will encounter a minimum of opposition. Nobody will start screaming, ”That radical!”
In one way, you can expect that he will not be a pope of personality. On the other, his gentleness and humility and his humor may draw a great deal of affection. One does not have to have a flamboyant personality to become an object of love and interest.
Now all we have to worry about is the federal budget. As someone said, “Cross the pope off our list.” Wasn’t it a never-ending barrage of publicity? Now we know more about the cardinals of the Church than ever anyone expected to.
Oh yes, we are into spring. New pope, new buds, new breezes, and Easter in the air. What a convergence of symbolism as we enter a new phase of Church life. And St Joseph (the papal inauguration day) is the Patron of the Universal Church.
Incidentally, where did this week go?
If anyone hadn’t noticed, the new (almost) Queen Consort of the Netherlands is Argentine. The Crown Princely couple has three daughters, so Princess Amalia will become the sovereign after her father. The Dutch run to female sovereigns. Aren’t you glad you know?
The picture on the World Wildlife calendar for March is of a baby elephant with its mother embracing it with her trunk. Zebras below.
I have just received an email advertising a recumbent exercise bike. Life is full of surprises.