Undoubtably a prayerful, free vote offered before Almighty God by these men…
The time for discussions – often intense – over the needs of the Church and the times is over. Now the cardinals enter the conclave to choose who, among them, should take the helm.
Putting together information shared with journalists yesterday by the Vatican spokesman, Fr Federico Lombardi, and some leaks to Italian newspapers this morning, curial governance has again emerged as a strong theme, including the issue of financial transparency and management of the Vatican Bank, the so-called ‘Vatileaks’ affair, as well as allegations of sexual impropriety. There is a strong desire for the next pope to get a grip; and a desire, too, for greater ‘collegiality’ – meaning the question of relations between Rome and the bishops.
But it is misleading to suggest that the cardinals are looking for a good governor or administrator. As Cardinal Angelo Sodano, presiding this morning’s papal election Mass in St Peter’s, made…
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