We watch and wait and expect.
The election of a Roman Pontiff, alternatively titled Supreme Pontiff, the Bishop of Rome, or the Pope. There are several titles afforded to the holder of the office but this unimportant right now. We know the one elected is the successor to St. Peter, not successor to the previous popes. Francis was the vicar of Christ, successor to St. Peter, not the successor to Pope Benedict XVI.
Catholic ecclesiology teaches us that we are to be attentive to the election of the new Roman Pontiff through prayer to the Holy Spirit. It is not a political caucus. It is not a time to arrange for someone’s election. So that’s what we do –we wait patiently and prayerfully following the line: Thy will be done. We sit in prayerful expectation and not fall prey to the media prognostications.
The image of the Book of the Gospels is opened to Matthew 4, when Jesus calls his first disciples. Hands are being placed on the spot where Jesus calls his first follower: “Simon, who is called Peter.”
Come Holy Spirit, come through Mary.