We saw a Saint, Pope John Paul II, we were blessed to have him as the Head of our Church, a Saint because he was the Pastor in whom we saw Christ, and as Mother Teresa did, he also saw Christ in everyone of us.

I have no words to add to the tributes that people from every corner of the world have already expressed about his contribution to peace and social justice, to unity and respect for every human being, in any religion. A true Fisherman, he made the Word of the Lord very clear, not only with words, but also by being an example of every virtue we should aspire for, and all that, done with the humility of the one who knows that everything good comes from God.

May he rest in peace in the arms of Jesus and Mary, the Mother of the Redeemer.

We hear on TV and radios how the media talk about the possible new Pope, they analyze the good side and the “negative” side of each one, people also talk about the changes which should take place with a new Pope, some are even suggesting that the Conclave should be open to the public. They just don’t get it!!

We are not talking about a politician, is the Head of the Catholic Church we are talking about, as such, the new Pope will be elected with the assistance of the Holy Spirit, it is the Will of God we believe will take place, and all the arguments and analysis people are involved in, are just totally out of place.

This is a moment for prayers and sacrifices, each one of us should also close the door to the world, to get closer to the Holy Spirit, not only to ask for His divine intervention to elect the new Pope, but also to renew our faith and our strength to do our part as Catholics, for the glory of God, for the good of our Church and for the good of humanity. That by following the example of Mary we can really call ourselves “believers”.

In his Encyclical Letter “Redemptoris Mater”, Pope John Paul II writes: “God has gathered together as one all those who in faith look upon Jesus as the author of salvation and the source of unity and peace, and has established them as the Church, that for each and all she may be the visible sacrament of this saving unity”.

Let us pray with Mary, like the Apostles did in the Upper Room for Pentecost, let us close the door to the world and even to our thoughts, especially to those who don’t speak of unity, but about divisions and private agendas, it is not our will or the world’s will to be considered, it is the Will of God we want in action.

I hope the Media, and many others, could just get the point !!