I was on the way to picking up my mom’s new computer at future shop. I tuned into CKNW to listen to the Opening speeches for the BC Election. It was pre-empted by breaking news – the Catholic Church has chosen a pope.
Immediately, I phone my mother to let her know. I knew this bit of news was important to her. I gave her a quick call on the cell phone and excitedly said, “Mom! Turn on the TV! They’re about to announce the new pope!”. I parked the car, left the radio running, then the words came: “Habemus Papam!” (we have a pope!). The name: Pope Bendict the 16th.
Sitting there in the car by myself, I knew that this was an important event in history, and I was a part of it and I heard it live.
Future shop hadn’t opened yet – it was only 9:45. So I ran to London Drugs to watch the event. There were a few TVs tuned to CNN but I think I was the only one watching. One worker said, “Who won?”
“The German Guy.”
“Oh God!” (I guess they were hoping for someone less Conservative)
Then the prayers and the chanting began and I went back to the business of the day.
I searched my feelings to find out what this announcement meant to me… I am no longer Catholic and I have embraced my faith with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. But the feelings of gratitude for my Catholic heritage are still there and I am grateful for what the Catholic Church has taught me. I guess this is why I had looked into the election of the Pope with keen interest. I had hoped that they would elect Cardinal Ratzinger in order to stem the tide of Churches following the mainstream ideals of homosexuality, female priesthood, abortion and contraception. When they did, I thought, “Well I’m relieved that there is at least one other faith that will stand by mine to keep the laws of God.”
But in the back of my mind, I hope that this Pope will do well to reach out to other faiths, including ours. I hope that this Pope won’t encourage my mom, dad, sisters – people who are Catholic to disown me… as other Popes have in other Papacies… We’ll we’ll wait and see.