Habemus Papam!

Pope Francis I

Raised as I was in the Catholic Church, the Papacy has always had a bit of a mythical air to it for me.  And though I have worshiped primarily in Protestant churches of one stripe or another for most of the last twenty years, in my heart, I remain--and always will be--a Roman Catholic.

Catholicism for me goes like this:  1.  Here are The Rules.  We believe them to be The Truth.  2.  Belief is your choice--that is what free will is all about. 3.  We will not change The Rules because man is sinful.  4.  Take it or leave it.

I've always liked that.  I have lived a life that falls far short of Catholic teaching, and I disregard some of the Faith's most dearly held tenets.  This is not however, because there is something wrong with the Church--it is because there is something wrong with ME.  I am the sinner.  I do not confuse my sin with righteous conduct, while pointing fingers back at a Church that must "reform". The Church teaches The Truth.  I disregard it, I take my chance with eternal life or eternal damnation.

That this Faith is headed by a man whose every day is dedicated to praying for all the rest of us is just icing on the cake.

Viva il Papa!