From Fr. John Montejano, student of Canon Law for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, previous pastor at St. John's in Baldwin Park, and great friend of the Fr. Kolbe Missionaries.
Well we have a Pope, Pope Francis (I would say the first but he isn't called the first till there is a 2nd...). It was an amazing night.
At 6:00pm I went to the chapel to say Mass. The Roman Missal was open to prayers "For the Election of a Pope." So although I didn't want rush the Mass I did a little. But in prayer I said, 'Lord if tonight is the night you select a Pope, let it be the man you want and best suited to lead your Church.
So off I went crowded in the bus and again it was drizzling. On the bus I bumped into a Patrick a seminarian from Scotland I met this year. As we arrived to the St.Peter's Square there were already thousands of people and it didn't seem like we'd get into the actual square. So Patrick says to me, "Hey Father should we try to get closer and I said, 'let's do it."
No sooner had we wiggled our way to through the square to a good spot close to screen and close to see the Sistine chapel almost as soon as we got there the smoke cameo out which first look grey so the crowd sighed, "Awe!!" in disappointment but then Patrick yelled out, "wait it is white !! IT IS WHITE!! IT'S WHITE !! IT'S WHITE !!! So like everyone else we rushed to get closer to the basilica and got an incredible spot about 60 yards from the basilica smack in the center in front of the loggia. It was a cold night, raining slightly but St. Peter's looked amazing. The bells were tolling and the crowd was energized.
It took a while for the Pope to make his way out since after the vote is taken things take place before he appears. First they have to find the white cassock that best fits him, he goes to the chapel to pray and more. After about 25 minutes the sound of drums beat as the Swiss Guards marched out for the first time since the Pope's resignation. That was emotional since their soul purpose is to protect the Pope and had thus been somewhat out of commission for over a week. So to see them march out and take their position in front of St. Peter's was exhilarating for once again "we have Pope."
It was great just to be squeezed in front of the basilica and surrounded by thousands of the faithful. When the time came and the doors of the loggia balcony opened the crowd exploded with applause. Then the announcement "I announce to you with great joy, We have a Pope!!!" Cheers!! Applause!! Viva il Papa!! Then the announcement of Cardinal Jose Mario Bergoglio and everyone I mean everyone was a bit perplexed, he sounded like an Italian but he wasn't. As soon as he came out and greeted the crowds with "My dear brothers and sisters 'Buona Sera'" the crowds errupted with joy and laughter. For some of the Italians it was kind of cute that he was a bit informal and said simply 'Buona Sera.'
It was very touching that he asked to first pray for Pope 'emeritus' Benedict XVI and then asked us a favor. 'Before I bless you will you please bless me.' And the crowd fell silent as we prayed for him. His name is Francis. The Italians loved it as of course we all presume he took the name of St. Francis of Assisi but he was a Jesuit, so some asked did he mean St. Francis Xavier. Which ever St. Francis it is meant to be, both were incredible saint reformers of the Church at different moments of crisis in the life to the Church.
We have a Pope, Pope Francis. May God grant to the Supreme Pontiff, Successor of St. Peter and Bishop of Rome, the grace, wisdom and strength he needs to lead the Church in this time in history. May Our Lady and all the angels and saints intercede for out new Pope, Francis.
Ad Multos Annos !!
Ciao da Roma,
Fr. John
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