The church is more than the pope
The international media are focused on a smokestack above the Sistine Chapel, waiting for white smoke to signal the election of a new pope. As usual, however, the media are looking at the Roman Catholic Church through the wrong end of the telescope.
The mystery and secrecy of the conclave are ideal for spawning the speculative frenzy that fills airtime. Which of the 115 cardinals disappearing behind the locked doors will emerge on the balcony to a thunderous ovation? Will he be a conservative or a liberal? A European, or perhaps a pope of a different color? A "traditionalist" like Pius XII, an "innovator" like John XXIII, a "rock star" like John Paul II or a "transitional" figure like Benedict XVI?… Seguir leyendo »