Let's take this last Sunday with Benedict XVI as our Pope to learn a little more about the Papacy...
What does the Pope do?
As Pope, his task as ‘chief of all the shepherds on earth’ is to defend our faith, teach us about our faith and help guide us to heaven, so that we can spend eternity with God, our heavenly Father. Pope comes from the Latin word “Papa” or father. We can truly look to the Pope as a father whose purpose is to guide all of us in faith and morals. Because the Pope’s job is so important; helping us to grow in holiness, we need to pray that he does his job well!
Where does he live and work?
The Pope lives and works in Vatican City, in Rome, Italy. On most Sundays he gives a special message and blessing to pilgrims who gather at St Peter’s Square, and to people throughout the whole world.
Has there always been a Pope?
Ever since the time of Jesus, there has been a Pope. It was Jesus who chose the first Pope, St Peter. Handing St. Peter the keys to heaven, Jesus said to him, “Your name is Peter, and on this Rock I shall build my Church. Feed my lambs.” (Matt 16:18-19, John 21: 15-17) Jesus new that the Church would need a leader after He ascended into heaven so He chose Peter and He sent the Holy Spirit to always guide him and any pope who came after him. From Pope St. Peter to Pope Benedict XVI there have been 265 popes. Pope Benedict XVI will officially retire on Thursday Feb. 28th and until a new pope is elected, the papal position will be empty.
How is the Pope chosen today?
When a Pope dies or retires (which up until now is rare in history, since Pope Benedict XVI is the first pope to retire in 600 years), all the Cardinals come together in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican to form the Papal Conclave. They are not allowed to speak to anyone outside the Conclave during the time they are gathered together to choose the next Pope: no telephone, no mobile, no internet, nothing! They pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance on who to choose.
The Cardinals cast their votes until there is a two thirds majority or if no cardinal has been elected by two-thirds majority after a certain number of ballots, the cardinals may agree by absolute majority (half + 1) to elect the Pope by an absolute majority instead of a two-thirds majority. When a new Pope has been chosen, and after he has accepted, “Habemus Papam” (we have a new Pope) is announced from the balcony of the Vatican. Out steps the new Pontiff for the whole world to see!
Taken and adapted from: http://kidsquizthepope.wordpress.com/facts-about-the-pope/
-Melinda Cannady
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