The doors are sealed
The ring is broken
The chair is empty
Francis has been called to his place
After his burial in simple style
The conclave will gather
To elect his successor
“Habemus papam”
In affirmation
Of acceptance.
Chris McDonnell 22 April 2025.
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An interesting address by Dermot Farrell, Bishop of Ossory, at the Conference with Laity and Priests in the Diocese of Ossory;
“Pope Francis is constantly putting his synodal vision of the church before us. The question he is asking, and that we should ask ourselves, is what kind of church is God calling the priests and all Catholics to be in the longer term – perhaps less self-referential and more a community of missionary disciples, less clerical and more synodical, “……
“We have fallen off a cliff edge in regard to vocations to the priesthood. Many speak of a crisis in this regard…….This time of reduced numbers may well afford us an opportunity to be creative and to reimagine the institutional church.”
Thanks Chris for reminding me on this Divine Mercy Sunday that the empty chair belongs to Peter’s successor.
Who would have thought that a week after that iconic image of Francis’ final blessing from his wheel-chair to the city and the world Presidents Trump and Zelensky would be pictured in St. Peter’s Basilica sitting face to face having a chat? I hope it l gets as much publicity as the one from the WH.
Today on Divine Mercy Sunday – (second day of the Novemdiali) let us recall Cardinal Re’s plea to ‘Franciscus’ at the end of his funeral homily to intercede for the Church, for Rome, and the whole world from heaven:
“Dear Francis, we now ask you to pray for us. May you bless the Church, bless Rome, and bless the whole world from heaven as you did last Sunday from the balcony of this Basilica in a final embrace with all the people of God, but also embrace humanity that seeks the truth with a sincere heart and holds high the torch of hope.”
Many will be sad on this Sunday but I am confident that the Cardinal electors in the forthcoming conclave will appoint the one whom the Holy Spirit will chose to succeed Peter.
Francis reminded us last Sunday of what a wonderful gift it is to bless people with the power and sign of the Cross – of God’s mercy when in union with the successor of Peter.