April 12, 2005

I heard of taking bets on a new horse – but on a new pope? No doubt in and outside Catholic circles, the upcoming conclave has everybody buzzing. Everyone appears to be an expert and hold some piece of the puzzle. Being a priest, it is understandable that some would ask my opinion, thinking I have some “information” based on a secret news source in the Vatican. In fact, the only tangible connection I have with the Vatican is a paperweight given as a gift some years ago. Besides, it was probably made in China.

I must admit, for a few years now I too couldn’t keep from thinking about the next Pontiff. More than once, I enthusiastically approached Nigerian priests asking if they thought the next pope would be from Africa. I was always disappointed. Each time, I received the same answer “no – too soon”. I also was once very excited about another wonderful candidate – Archbishop Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan, a Vietnamese archbishop who was imprisoned by the communists for thirteen years. After his release in 1991, Pope John Paul II named him a Cardinal. His books, The Road of Hope and Testimony to Hope convinced me that this saintly man would be worthy of following the great Pope John Paul II. Unfortunately, his years of imprisonment would take a toll on his health. He died in Rome about three years ago. So you see, my “expertise” in the pope picking game isn’t very impressive.

No doubt, like me you too have been “placing your sure bets”. I trust you know this is somewhat a waste of time. The same is true for so-called “Vatican experts” who assure us they have some “inside info”. Meanwhile, the people in the pew do the same – all of them. There are those who “lean left” and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new pope to get the Church off of JP II’s “medieval sandbar”. Then there are those who are “always right”. They want a pope with backbone who’s not afraid of bringing back “the good old days” – who knows, maybe even a call for a crusade?

While it may not be a sin to look “to the right” or look “to the left”, it may be a sin not to look up. This is a time in the history of the Church and the world when we really – really – have to pray. With all the talk about global warming, the last thing the atmosphere needs is more hot air! It’s this kind of talk that makes the Church lukewarm.

So, remember, while the future of the Church is in His hands, it also rests on our knees. Therefore, until the very minute we see the white smoke and hear those famous words “Habemus Papem!” – less talk and more prayer!

Good advice? Great advice – you can bet on it!

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community Servant, residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers, New York

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