has created for the parishes, schools and families of the Archdiocese of Washington resources on the papacy and upcoming conclave.

Just in case you were wondering whether conclaves were exercises in infallibility, Benedict brings the refreshing sound of common sense: Perhaps the classic expression of this idea belongs to none other than the outgoing pope, Benedict XVI, who as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was asked on Bavarian television in 1997 if the Holy Spirit is responsible [...]

An explanation in nifty graphic form.

…argues for the eminent sensibility of Benedict’s decision to resign. It’s impossible to predict the future, of course, but I think it’s quite on the cards other Pope’s in my lifetime will do the same rather than live past the age where they can fulfill their ministry. We’ll see, I guess.

On himself:  Mahony says he looks forward to voting on Pope Benedict’s successor The chutzpah of the Master Narcissist reminds us of the truth discovered by Balaam:  that the Holy Spirit still speaks through the mouth of jackasses.  He will, alas, be part of the next conclave, unless of course, somebody puts him in jail or [...]

I’m grateful to the Holy Father both for his clear-headed, calm, gentle, and much-better-man-than-I-am approach to presenting the Church’s teaching to a world (and often Church) full of screaming crazies, but in a primal way, for his appreciation of his role as father. The Church has been in short supply of fathers, what with so [...]