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Conclave: Electing a New Pope

by: Amanda Milewski

Upon the death of the Pope, a monumental sequence of events unfolds, culminating in a process known as the conclave whereby a new Pope is elected to lead the Roman Catholic faith.

Beneath Michelangelo's revered ceiling in the Sistine Chapel, the College of Cardinals, led by the Cardinal Camerlegno (Cardinal Chamberlain), Eduardo Martinez Somalo, begins the arduous process of selecting the pope's successor. The Cardinalate currently consists of 117 cardinals from all over the world.
In the conclave, an event enduring little change since the thirteenth century, the cardinals take an oath of secrecy, that if broken renders the offender automatically excommunicated from the church. There are no televisions, radios, or newspapers allowed inside the conclave.

The Cardinal Electors, almost all of whom were appointed by Pope John Paul II, will vote in a very thorough process of secret balloting where a two-thirds majority is needed to elect a new Pope. The College may vote up to four times a day, but if a new Pope has not been chosen by the third day, then the cardinals cease the voting process for a day of prayer and reflection. Following the day of prayer, the cardinals will commence for another seven votes, then another day of prayer.
If after 12 days a pope has still not been elected, then the two-thirds majority vote is negated and a vote by simple majority is instated.

The first indication to the outside world that a new pope has been elected is the telling smoke signals. After each voting session a smoke signal is given by burning the ballots. If the voting session is inconclusive, straw is added to the burning ballots to produce black smoke. Conversely, white smoke signals that a new pope has been chosen.

In the past the College usually elects a cardinal that has been under consideration for some time. The two requirements for eligibility for the papacy are that the candidates must be a man and Catholic. Although any Catholic male is technically eligible, history shows that the candidates are always cardinals.

What is new in this upcoming papal election is the doctrine of Vatican II, which no longer requires cardinals to study Latin. Therefore, the issue of a language barrier is a potential problem that the College may face, since many of the cardinals for the first time in history, will not share a common language.

Pope John Paul II was elected in 1978 and has since been revered by Catholics as well as other Christian denominations, Jews, and Muslims for being a "Pope for the people."
More than any of his predecessors, Pope John Paul II traveled the world, visiting and praying with the people of the area. Many attribute the restoration of the Catholic Church to Pope John Paul II. Much speculation has occurred regarding the Pope's successor.
The outcome of the conclave is widely anticipated and only when we hear the Latin phrase "Habemus Papam" come from the dean of the cardinals will the world know who the next Pope will be.

About The Author

Amanda Milewski is a contributing writer for the Pope Blog - Conclave Edition ( http://thepopeblog.blogspot.com/ ).

jimandi@gmail.com

Fifth Wheel Buying Tips

Fifth Wheel Buying Tips

by: Gray Rollins

A fifth wheel trailer is a type of camper that is towed by a truck with a special hitch. It provides accommodations for sleeping, bathing and dining. This type of trailer is a great way to provide all the comforts of home while traveling or camping. There are standard models available that provide all the necessary facilities for living short term. There are also luxury models that are quite elegant and spacious and are perfect for people who decide to RV full time.

Fifth wheel prices can range from fairly inexpensive to very pricey depending on the size and amenities included. Smaller units can start at around $10,000.00 for a new model and provide adequate living and dining areas. Luxury models can exceed $100,000 and can be quite spacious. These are homes away from home and may include televisions, Internet capabilities, living areas, bedrooms, luxury kitchens and dining areas, and fully equipped...

Fifth Wheel Buying Tips

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Mommy, When I Grow Up I Wanna Be A Couch Potato!

Mommy, When I Grow Up I Wanna Be A Couch Potato!

by: Katherine Westphal

No one really dreams of wasting their life in front of the TV. That goal ranks up there with becoming a professional burger flipper or french fry specialist. Yet, the AVERAGE American spends 4 hours each and every day in front of the TV. That makes the AVERAGE American a part-time couch potato, clocking in 28 hours per week. Is that really the American dream now?

Are you watching TV instead of pursuing your dreams? If so, what message might that you be sending to your children? Would you rather be a living embodiment of someone who pursues their dreams, or an embodiment of couch potato-hood?

What messages does watching TV send to our kids?

First, there are all the messages the TV itself sends out: all the sex, violence, and other messages depending on the shows that your family watches. By watching these shows we legitimize the messages contained within them...

Mommy, When I Grow Up I Wanna Be A Couch Potato!

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5 Steps To A Better Lawn And Garden

by: George Chapman

If you're lucky enough to have a lawn with a good topsoil base, much of the hard work of keeping a lawn beautiful is already done for you. But many of us do not have this luxury, and besides, even with a good topsoil base, you still have to work hard to keep a beautiful lawn and garden.

1. The best time to mow a lawn is when it is cool and dry. Wait for the morning dew to dry off, and before the afternoon...

Conclave: Electing a New Pope Televisions spring break 5 Steps To A Better Lawn And Garden

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Flue Season is Here!

by: Gil Strachan

Furnace flues and chimneys are often neglected. Many homeowners presume that the utility company or their fuel supplier is monitoring them, and don't realise this isn't necessarily true until something goes wrong. As a result, bird's nests and other debris sometimes cause soot and gases to drift back into the house, causing a potentially dangerous situation.

All types of chimneys should have regular, professional inspection...

Conclave: Electing a New Pope

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My Neighbor Got A New Car

by: Al Thomas

I don?t know what kind it is, but I saw it on TV running full speed along the shore (I don?t live near the shore) throwing up spray or maybe it was that one climbing up the steep mountain trail thru the mud, rocks and snow. Very exciting. (I don?t live near the mountains either.) WOW! Just what I need.

But there are a few obstacles.

It costs about $28,000. (That?s close to the average annual wage.) I have...

My Neighbor Got A New Car Conclave: Electing a New Pope toyo tires Televisions

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Instant Carpet Stain Removal Tips

by: John Murray

Carpet stains are inevitable. At one time or another you will be faced with having to remove a stain from your carpet. Always follow any directions supplied by the carpet manufacturer. Carpets made from natural fibers or certain dye types may require special treatment. If you are not sure check with a cleaning professional for help. But for most common stains if you follow these carpet stain removal tips and you'll...

Conclave: Electing a New Pope Instant Carpet Stain Removal Tips Televisions vacuum

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How To Avoid Swelling When Pregnant

by: Beverley Brooke

Edema, otherwise known as swelling, will affect almost all women at some point during their pregnancy. Swelling or Edema is most often the result of excessive levels of hormones coursing through your body.

Really, the best thing you can do to combat swelling is to drink far more fluid. It may seem counter intuitive, but the more juice and water you drink the less water your body will hold onto and...

How To Avoid Swelling When Pregnant Conclave: Electing a New Pope

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