Vacant See

This afternoon at 1 pm, Manitoba time, the See of St. Peter, was vacated by the now, Holy Father "Emeritus", Benedict XVI.

There will be much by way of ritual in the next days. Tomorrow, the College of Cardinals, will decide on the day to convene the Conclave to elect Benedict's successor.

There is much on my mind these days concerning the Church. I suspect that for the North American church there will be little to no change in our day to day lives as Catholics. I doubt that Cardinal Marc Ouellett, from Quebec will be elected for any number of reasons. I acknowledge that he does have a following of sorts but he lacks the charisma and leadership skills necessary to guide a church that is emerging throughout the world. A traditionalist to be sure, but unlikely to be able to effectively listen to the pulse of the world.

No, my friends, the time to listen, rather than speak, is here. I pray that the 115 men who will choose our next Pope will be attentive to the Holy Spirit.

For this I pray.