Habemus Non Papam

Habemus non papam - Latin for "we do not have a pope." Pope Benedict XVI retired today.  Through the miracles of satellites and internet, the kids & I were able to watch him get into the helicopter & leave the Vatican today, then see the main doors close at Castel Gandolfo.  What a blessing he has been to the Church - I'm thankful for the years he put in, grateful for his prayerful judgment when it was time to leave, and hopeful for his successor.  It was really interesting to hear about some of the details, like how the Swiss Guard are now dismissed (he'll be protected by the gendarmes), because their mission is always to protect the sitting pope.  There is a lot of new territory here, and it will be interesting to watch how the process goes.  Plus it's been great that the kids recognize some of the words they've learned in Latin actually being used.

 I was talking to a friend on the phone today, and she asked, regarding his retirement, in a very concerned voice, "How are you doing with this?"  I said, "OK" and then there was a long silence, because apparently she didn't think that was a valid answer, though I really had nothing more to add.  I don't understand why some people think all Catholics should be in mourning or otherwise freaking out over this.   Yes, the seat of Peter is vacant, but the Holy Spirit has managed to preserve the Church for thousands of years, against great human effort, so I'm confident He can manage it for a few weeks until the conclave has its say.  I'm also confident that He will make sure that the conclave makes the right choice, or else will make their choice right.

 I am also reading, among other things, Light of the World - an interview with (then) Pope Benedict XVI.  It's well written and very interesting, but he has so much to say that I can only read it for a little while, then need some time to digest.  Benedict was not as popular (populist?) as John Paul II, but in this interview it is really clear that his love for humanity and for the church, and for God is just as overwhelming.  I hope that he will have a good retirement, as a reward for his years of service.

Oh, and where have I been for months?  If the word "introvert" in the title didn't clue you in, publishing my thoughts doesn't come naturally.  I'll try to do better.  Though right now I have a cold and am using that as an excuse for pretty much everything.