The world is holding its collective breath awaiting the outcome of the papal elections to begin next week. American Cardinals Whuerl and Dolan have said that the greatest need will be for the new pope to deal with secularism. This, as I understand them to mean, is a culture that does not see the need for church.
On Tuesday, Whuerl and Dolan are joining 113 other cardinals as they decide the next phase of the life of the church. They will enter the Sistine Chapel surrounded by some of the world's most priceless paintings, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts, perhaps chanting sacred music, while wearing clothing of long tradition. The task before them is intense. May Spirit lead them to see what is really most needed in the world we live in today.
