The Catholic Super Bowl

This time of year is a big time for us Catholics. It is lent, the 40 days and 40 nights before Easter. But right now is also a big thing: choosing a new pope. The Pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. The last Pope was elected about 8 years or so ago.

But he is not elected like how we elect our president. All of the Cardinals who under the age of 80 vote for the Pope. This year there are 115 Cardinals that are voting. The whole group goes into the conclave (fancy word for having a meeting) and this is held in the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The same Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo.

This is where things get fancy and secretive. Everyone who goes in, does not come out until a new Pope is elected. No information is allowed in or out. The fanciness comes in the way of letting the people know there is a new Pope. There is a furnace installed where all of the votes are burned after being tallied. Black smoke means there is no decision. White smoke means that there is a new Pope.

What makes this occasion so important right now?? If you have not seen the world news lately, our last Pope, Benedict, resigned. He was the first Pope to resign in 600 years! The position of being the Pope is a lifetime job, it is held until death, unless of course they resign.

The new Pope, once elected, doesn't get to go home and pack up either. I heard on ABC news that since he is already in Vatican City, he stays there. Now I don't know if he gets his things sent to him of whatever, I'm sure he does.

There are several American Cardinals in the 115, and some of them are in consideration for being the Pope. There has never been an American Pope, most are of European descent. I think that if an American Cardinal is elected Pope, it could bring new ideas into the centuries old Church.

One Cardinal believes that Priests should be allowed to marry, as many men are scared away of being a Priest because they cannot marry and have a family. Another Cardinal, I believe, thinks that women should be allowed to become Priests instead of Nuns. I'm not sure if these ideas come from the American Cardinals, but they can be influenced by these ideas, and use them during their reign as Pope.

I know that was a lot to read, but I hope you learned something new!

Thanks,
Ashley