I'm not entirely sure why but I happen to LOVE this headline I found on Facebook earlier. It sums up this whole crazy process perfectly succinctly. That being said, I'm a little too obsessed with following the craziness of this papal conclave. The last time this happened, I was completely and utterly confused by the whole shabang. You'd think after 13 years of Catholic school, I would have learned at least the name for the Pope-Idol process that happens when the Pope passes away.
But in all that time, I never heard the words Papal Conclave, let alone what happens during the super secret ceremonies. So I relied on the media to tell me what the heck was going on. I have to say, it was not the best plan. Because, as it turns out I still have no idea. I'm just as clueless 7 years later as I was for Pope Benedict's "inauguration." (I'm certain that's the wrong word, but like I said I'm clueless...)For instance, I've been under the delusion that the papal candidate had to be at least 75 but as it turns out one of the dudes in the running is 68 and apparently quite the fan of Twitter so you see, he's a perfect leadership candidate...
All I have to say about the whole thing is this. Maybe if the Cardinals and the Vatican were less concerned with perfecting and steadfastly following a process that was developed hundreds of years ago and more focused on real changes that need to be made within the church such as allowing priests to marry, "legalizing" birth control and gay marriage, and most importantly treating the victims of sex abuse with the respect they deserve, then maybe the Catholic church wouldn't be in the predicament they're in in the 21st century.
That being said, I'd really like the below to be true. It actually makes much more sense than colored smoke and super secret rituals. At least this way, we'd stand a chance of finally seeing a progressive take office.
~Joe Flacco signed this week for 120 million dollars over the next 6 years. While I'm happy the Ravens kept him, I have a whole list of reasons why this is incredibly wrong. He's not worth that much money. More to the point, no one is worth that much money. It's obscene that a 28 year old is earning so much for doing no more than throwing a football while others his age are fighting for our country. Also, I think it was greedy to hold out for that much money. The NFL has a cap, and since the Ravens are now paying Flacco so much, they're in danger of not being able to afford some pretty amazing players. What good is this "elite" QB if he has no one to throw the ball to?
~The highest ranking Cardinal in the Archdiocese of Scotland has resigned and has admitted to unfortunate conduct. I'm happy that this has finally come to light, and he's being held accountable. However, how can something like this go on for so long without the church becoming suspicious? What's amazing is the amount of writers that are attacking the priests that tipped the Vatican off to the behavior. These men were preyed on by this Cardinal and they're the ones that are being abused by the press. Thank goodness their names are being withheld. I'm not sure much will change under a new pope, but I think the Vatican is finally realizing that something must be done. There are far too many coverups and far too many people being hurt.
~The UK pound has fallen below $1.50 for the first time in years. While this is not a good sign for their economy, it's quite a positive sign for my trip there this fall. I may just have to exchange some dollars for pounds now while the getting is good.
~Maryland may receive "significant" snowfall on Wednesday of this week. I'm usually all for snow but seriously, it's March! I'm done with the winter doldrums. I need sunshine and birds chirping and flowers blooming, not salt trucks, wind gusts and shoveling.
~And finally some good news (although, I suppose if you're Joe Flacco, you've already had your good news...) a Mississippi toddler has apparently been cured of HIV 2 years after she was born with the disease. I'm not sure the specifics, but how unbelievable is that?! What a win! These are the types of projects $120 million should be thrown at. A few more million for researchers could mean the discovery of a the cure for HIV/AIDS. Isn't that a little more impressive (and not to mention needed) than a perfect spiral?
