Conclave

It has been crazy in Rome for the past week, waiting for the beginning of the Conclave. There are cameras and journalists everywhere. But the poor things have had nothing to report, because apart from cardinals arriving and meeting together, nothing has been happening. So, they are looking for anything that could make a story. Our friend who is the chaplain of the Vatican's youth centre (Centro San Lorenzo) said that a news crew asked if they could interview him, and he agreed. In the middle of the interview, the ESM students walked past with the WYD Cross. The journalist said, "Oh, that's much more interesting!" and ran after the Cross, followed by the rest of the crew. Fr Fabian was left standing by himself. Poor dear!

Yesterday morning we went to Mass at St Peter's Basilica for the beginning of the Conclave. It was a beautiful Mass, but it was a bit of a circus too - reporters and cameras everywhere. There isn't this much frenzy when we actually have a Pope in our midst.

Mass at St Peter's Basilica

In the afternoon, we visited the Congregation for Divine Worship. This visit was scheduled months ago. It was really interesting. We met with Archbishop Roche who spoke to the group and then answered questions. Afterwards, he said he wanted to show us a great view. We walked through lots of offices and came out on this balcony. On the big screens, you can see the cardinals processing into the Sistine Chapel.

Beginning of the Conclave

After our visit, we headed home. On the way, I walked through St Peter's Square again. It was really funny to see so many people standing in the rain, looking at a screen which showed the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. I wondered if they would all watch it for the next two hours, until the smoke came out.

Waiting for the smoke

This morning we were in St Peter's Square again, and this time I saw the smoke come out of the chimney. Obviously it was black smoke which signifies that no pope was selected. In the crowd, we saw an Australian flag. We went over to find that it was a group of people we know. I was really happy to see my dear friend Jacinta's sister, Mary Clare. We chatted for a while, but then had to get back to school.

Hele, Mary Claire and four of her kids

As our friend took this photo, a stranger came up and took a photo of us as well. We also were asked to pose for a photo for a Slovakian newspaper. I tell you, the media are going mad!!!!

So, we still wait to see who our new pope will be......