"Individuals in the Cardinals' Circle Should Overlook Personal Preferences"

Directing Delays in Personal Matters: Cardinals' Decision

The world waits as more than 130 Cardinals prepare to elect a new Pope. The choosing of the 267th Pontiff kicks off with a mass in St. Peter's Basilica, led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re.

With the stage set in Rome, the conclave commences in the afternoon, welcoming Cardinals not eligible to vote due to age. The electoral assembly is isolated from the outside world, enforcing a strict hush-hush atmosphere to ensure a fair and impartial selection.

During his homily, Cardinal Re encouraged Cardinals to push aside any personal considerations when selecting the newest member of the Papal throne. He emphasized that only the will of Jesus Christ and the welfare of the Church should guide their decision. In his humble yet evocative sermon, he stressed the enormity of their task: "It's not just a simple switch of roles, it's always Peter returning."

The church leaders, dressed in red, have gathered to seek divine intervention amidst the intense anticipation of the congregation. The choice will not be easy, but faith dictates that the Spirit shall guide.

With 89 votes required for election, it remains to be seen if the Cardinals will reach a conclusion this week. Since the 1960s, conclaves have typically wrapped up within 2 to 3 days, but with a larger and more internationally representative group this time around, compromises may prove more challenging than in the past.

The candidate list has expanded, with three German Cardinals among those eligible to vote. Gerhard Ludwig Müller, former Prefect of the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, spoke of his suitcase being packed for "5, 6 days," hoping for a quick resolution. Reinhard Marx and Rainer Maria Woelki from Munich and Cologne respectively are also taking part in the decisive process.

In accordance with tradition, the Cardinals will reside in the Casa Santa Marta complex, exchanging their digital devices for prayer books. A sacred, isolated space where they should shed their worldly influences and settle into spiritual contemplation. As the Cardinals retreat from the outside world, they take solace in the beauty of the Sistine Chapel, where they must swear to God to uphold the secrecy of the conclave.

The smoke rising from the chimney — be it black or white — shall signal the outcome of the Pope's selection. Should the cardinals not reach a consensus in the first round, they will continue to vote, aiming for the requisite 89 votes.

The Pope, as per Catholic doctrine, is the representative of Jesus Christ on Earth. He serves as the Bishop of Rome, the Primate of Italy, and the head of state of the Vatican — a moral authority revered by many.

As the Cardinals embark on this spiritual journey, the world holds its collective breath, hoping to glimpse a glimpse of the divine in the choice they make.

The European Parliament, unaware of the proceedings, watches as Cardinals across the continent participate in the election of a new Pope.
In a strong show of unity, the Pope, as the 267th Pontiff, is expected to guide the Church with the wisdom that resonates beyond smartphone screens and the noise of American-football stadiums.
As the Cardinals prepare for sports-like competition, their common goal is to select the next Pope based on the doctrine they have sworn to uphold, rather than their personal preferences for football or the NFL.
During their stay at the Casa Santa Marta complex, the Cardinals will temporarily part ways with their customary smartphone usage and immerse themselves in the sports of prayer and spiritual contemplation.
Once the new Pope is selected, his message will echo across the world, resonating in the conference halls of the European Parliament just as it does in football stadiums and American-football fields.