What happens in Vegas....

   Perhaps Las Vegas and the rest of the world could learn a thing or two from the Vatican. In an age when everyone wants to know everything, the Vatican was still able to select its new leader in relative secrecy, much to the disappointment of the news media and others. Perhaps the only person on the outside who might have had any insight as to what was taking place inside was Dan Brown and even his view may have been partially tainted for the sake of novels and movies,

   What is utterly amazing to me is that 115 men had the sole responsibility of selecting the person who would become the religious leader for nearly 1.5 billion people around the world. And only those Cardinals  80 years of age or younger were eligible to vote. What does that tell us about growing old within the church. Does over 80 mean 'over the hill' when it comes to making decisions? What does that say about the belief  that "with age comes wisdom.” 

   What is still so unbelievable is that this is the same process that has been used for hundreds of years, 266 'Pope times' in fact ... It is 115 people casting ballets, tossing them into the stove and voting again until someone receives 77 per cent of the vote.(No hanging chads here!) Or at least that is what we are encouraged to believe. 
   We all know how difficult it is to keep secrets and one has to admire, to some degree, the difficult challenges these men faced as well as those who took part in the previous 265 times a new Pope was elected. I can hear the announcement being made over the loudspeaker  now. “Please turn off all cell phones and all other electronic devices!”

   But with secrets often comes some unintended consequences. and outcomes.

   The Catholic Church has had its share of major issues over the years. Is it because the church has not been able to adjust to the changing times or is it that the times have not adjusted to the church? Is it because society's values have changed. Is it the result of the personal demands and expectations placed upon the clergy? Should priests be allowed to marry and have families? This is serious 'stuff.'

   But there may be some secrets that we would all like to know that are not so serious. For example...When not in public, does the Pope walk around his apartment in  Lands' End fleece pullovers and warm up pants? Does the Pope know how to cook? Does he have a driver's license? How does he relax when he is not doing his “Popely” duties? Has he read any of Dan Brown's books. Does he watch movies or listen  to country-western music? Has he ever eaten at McDonald's? Is there a gym at the Vatican where he can exercise or play racket ball?

   I know it is important for the billions of Catholics and the world leaders to see him in a traditional role as  Pope, the religious leader of a large part of the world's population. But perhaps he needs to be seen as a person of flesh and blood too, someone who laughs, goes for walks on beautiful Spring days, wraps Christmas presents for his nieces and nephews or works out in the gym on a regular basis.

   He has a special mission and unique  responsibilities,as he serves as a religious role model for the world. It is an awesome task to say the least. And his power and influence in the world's religious and sometimes political affairs have their roots dating back centuries and have been passed down to each new generation with few, if any, changes.

   But for now, the processes and the mysteries of the church will continue to remain secrets. We can all guess and speculate what took place behind the locked doors. But for now, “what happened at the Vatican” is likely to stay in the Vatican. for many years to come.