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1. I am not familiar with the processes used in a conclave to elect a Pope. However, under the influence of the Spirit, it would seem useful if every elector had access to three significant pieces of information about each candidate.
   Firstly, it seems necessary to know each candidate's vision for the Church of which he might soon be the leader. This should be available in print/electronic form, as well as delivered orally by each candidate. Secondly, there should be available an account of how each candidate has lived this vision in his diocese or area of responsibility.
   The gap between rhetoric and reality is often the equivalent of the "fiscal cliff", from which many have fallen.
   Finally, the electors would profit from knowing how each man intends the Church to relate to the world. If God's mission is to the world ('for this reason I came into the world'), then how the Church helps to achieve God's misssion is critically important.
   Thoughts of natioanlism, block voting and other processes should have no justification in a conclave.
   The outcome is not about Europe, Asia or anywhere else which is smaller than the world. We outside the conclave may well be holding our collective breath awaiting the outcome.

   Posted By: Garry

2. Excellent idea, Garry!
   Let's hope they are doing things exactly along the lines you are suggesting. And a nice balance between what people say and what we can see they have done!
   I'm more and more convinced the only way to know what individuals or groups actually believe is to look at how they treat others and how they expect to be treated.
   Let's hope someone of influence is reading your comments!
   

   Posted By: Mike Yates

3. I've been following Card. Tagle with great interest since Benedict announced he was stepping down.
   He's larger than life, the most impressive papabile I've found.
   He has brains, piety, charisma, joy and is an excellent speaker who knows how to work the media!
   He cries easily in public, doesn't own a car and invites beggars home for dinner.
   He studied in the USA under Dulles and Komonchak, then in Rome, where he worked closely with Ratzinger at the International Theological Commission. He's John Paul at the peak of his vigor, John XXIII and the Dali Lama rolled into one.
   He's my hope for Pope, hands down!

   Posted By: John K Riordan

4. Our next Pope must make huge efforts to bring the church closer to the people of God.
   For too long the Vatican remained, and still is seen to be, aloof from us lay people.
   Jesus had thousands around him including little children, but what hope would the majority of priests and laity have of ever getting close to a Pope?
   Is it any wonder Catholics are disallusioned, and keep their distance from this elite group of faceless men who are so distant from us?
   I believe it is time to ask the question 'Is our church for the benefit of the elite, or is it a Jesus church?'
   May the Holy Spirit be very active in the conclave and God Bless the Lord's choice.
   

   Posted By: Mary T. Bates

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