The Next Pope

I really do not know what Pope Francis' physical or spiritual state is right now. Yes, there are gobs of reports and rumors, but I entrust that to God. It does appear that he does not have much more time on this earth, however. Thus, I am praying very specifically for the next conclave. It is going to be a challenge for the cardinals. The definitely have seen the turmoil that surrounds the current pontificate, and they need to decide whether to continue that direction, or to return to the historic path of the Church.

I pray for them, that they will listen to the Holy Spirit and what He wants for the Church (even Pope Benedict XVI said that the Holy Spirit is at every conclave, but the cardinals do not always listen to Him!). I also am praying for our next Pope. Whoever he is, right now, he needs our prayers. There is a lot of mess that he will inherit and he can either clean things up and set things straight, or he can make it even messier.

Let us also pray that those outside the Church will not meddle in the conclave (as it appears has happened in the past). Those who have done these heinous things will be called to account someday, and they will have to answer to the Judge of all. Let us also pray that those in the Church who are not cardinals will not "lobby" for their position, but rather that they will be praying for the mercy of God and for an uncompromisingly Catholic choice to be made.

Whoever we are given as our next Holy Father, we all must acknowledge that it will be for our good. It will be exactly what is best for us. Sometimes what is best is to suffer, even under the heavy hand of a tyrant. Other times, God is kind to us and grants us a pontiff who is more supportive of the faithful. Let us pray for the latter, but admit that sometimes we deserve the former. Let us pray that every cardinal will, right now, open his heart and be willing to accept the fulness of the Catholic faith, and work to support it by choosing a good, godly, and solidly traditional Pope.