A Pope for the World

I have been watching, fascinated again, as the Catholics select Pope.

It is a spectacle, complete with the Swiss Guards in full medieval regalia parading through the square.

I waited for the smoke to show like so many others looking at the most watched chimney in the world. I was also amused by the seagull perched in the chimney almost as if waiting for the smoke like the rest of us.

It is an exciting time. A rebirth of sorts--especially with the selection of the first Pope from the Americas. The transition of power--orderly and peaceful with reverence is a template for nations to emulate. I would not want 115 old men selecting the next leader for the U.S., but with that significant exception the selection of the Pope is a model process.

I watched the television to get the first glimpse of the leader of the Catholics. He is not my Pope, but still, I am interested in the process and the changes which will ultimately occur as the new leader takes control. I has been an interesting diversion from the murder-of-the-day news.

-- Bob Doan, Elkridge, MD