Pope Francis' Election: "This is a mandate."

For the cardinal-electors to have gone out of Europe for the first time in over a millennium, to have gone to a Jesuit for the first time ever, and to have gone to the runner-up at the last Conclave in all of five ballots – with more than half the electorate changed over since last time – is not merely decisive....

Indeed, it's epic.

And make no mistake about it – this is a mandate.

Rocco at Whispers in the Loggia makes a point that hadn't struck me until I saw his comments about the voting. When we look with joy at the newness in so many ways of Pope Francis, we are also seeing what the other cardinals from around the world know ... the qualities we already value in him from this short acquaintance are what matter if you are Catholic, nay if you are Christian.

Go read it all.

Optimism Defined: Taking "Carry-On" Baggage into the Conclave

I hope the conclave will not go on too long. All I know is that I’m just taking in a small “carry-on” piece of baggage. If we’re in there too long, and if they show photographs of St. Martha’s from outside Vatican City, my room will be the one with the laundry hanging in the window to dry!

That's Cardinal Dolan for you. Practical, humorous, and optimistic!

I've been enjoying reading his occasional blog posts from the pre-conclave gathering. This last post before heading off was a bit like a peek inside.

The veteran cardinals tell me that the conclave is almost like a retreat. We of course concelebrate Mass every morning to begin the day, and pray the liturgy of the hours together. Obviously, we can visit and talk with each other at St. Martha’s House during our meals and brief time off between the actual voting, but, I’m told the actual hours in the Sistine Chapel, carried out scrupulously according to the traditional protocol, are done in an atmosphere of silence and prayer; it’s almost, the old-timers tell me, like a liturgy.

Go read it all.

The Doors Are Closed ... Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful
and kindle in them the fire of your divine love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit,
did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
grant that by the same Holy Spirit
we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations,
Through Christ Our Lord, Amen.

Collect from the Mass for the Election of the Roman Pontiff.

O God, eternal shepherd
who govern your flock with unfailing care,
grant in your boundless fatherly love
a pastor for your Church who will please you
by his holiness and to us show us watchful care.
Through our Lord, Jesus Christ your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Now we wait.

Image from Electing the Pope