David Gibson characterizes a campaign season as “nasty, brutish.” Doesn’t it seem to be the case? Another breach from the secular culture into the Church. These red hats had better watch out–at this rate they might end up at the fringes of the so-called Culture of Death.
Not intending to defend Scotland’s Cardinal O’Brien, who’s never struck me as a favorite, but isn’t it strange that three days after the man offers a thaw on mandatory celibacy, he’s out? And if he can’t be a kingmaker, is someone else in the college a kingbreaker?
Indonesia’s another big country without a “vote.” Cardinal Julius Riyadi Darmaatmadja will stay home form Rome due to failing health.
Good thing Pope Benedict allowed conclave opening to move up, eh? What if the College continues in conclave through Holy Week? Is there a person to celebrate the Triduum at St Peter’s if there’s no pope? All almost all the cardinals will be holed up in the Sistine Chapel, right? Does some random Italian bishop take over? Or will sede vacante be expanded to triduum vacante and all the parishes in Rome on their own for hosting the pilgrims?
