The future of the Catholic church can go either way now, it should be interesting (M)

I have two very good friends who are priests. In recent conversations, it appears that the 3 people up for pope could raise some eyebrows.

It is without doubt that Pope John Paul II had strong feelings against women in the church. He also was a strong anti-gay man as well.

However, 2 of the three candidates are pretty liberal and would like to see some changes in the Catholic church. Much like that of Vatican II. Not that many of us here remember the 'Old Church.'

I pray for the 'right' decision to be made. I hope that the Cardinals see the changing face of the Catholic Church and realize that if the Catholic Church sees itself having a future that changes must be made.

I also wanted to add, that yes, I am a Catholic. I am a Catholic that has great faith in God, but not the institution of the Church.

i am sincerely sorry to go off topic.. but i've been wondering this for a while now... what does (M) in the subject mean?

I agree, it should be interesting where the future of the catholic church is headed to.
Whoever it is, I hope is a good man. That's my only concern.

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Posted by WeddingsRock

(M) means More text to follow

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ohhhhhhhh Ok. thank you!! Again, im soo sorry to go off topic from you post

Does anyone know approximately how long it takes to elect a new Pope?

I understand that the 120 Cardinals meet, but how long is the meeting (In general terms - days/weeks/months/etc.)

i believe its 15 days after he died they have conclave (when all of the cardinals meet in privacy and elect a new Pope)

here's the more official explanation:


The Conclave is the procedure for electing the next pope. That has to happen no less than 15 days, and no more than 20 days, after the death of the pope. That is nothing less than 15 days out of respect to the previous pope, and no more than 20 days, so there is no delay in the process.

One interesting thing about the Conclave is that the word actually means 'locked up' in Latin. The idea is that you lock these men up until they make a decision. The idea is to get them to get moving because the church is without a pope, without someone sitting on the throne of St. Peter. So, the Conclave is intended to push them along in that process as delicately as possible.

After any inconclusive vote they burn the ballots in a fireplace and add a chemical which turns the smoke black. But, if in fact they have elected a pope, then they will also burn the secret ballots, but without the chemical, and the smoke will come from the Sistine Chapel as white. That will alert the city of Rome, and indeed the world, that we have a pope.

It is about 15 minutes after the smoke appears that an announcement would be made on who is the next pope.