no matter who is chosen as the next pope, he faces major challenges. the vatican is still under pressure to reveal more about failure to protect children from abusive priests. and the new pope has to restore discipline to the scandal plagued vatican. father thomas reese covers the vatican for the national catholic reporter. the last two papacies we elected the smartest man in the room. brilliant theologianses. maybe it is time to elect some one who listens to all the other smart people in the room. someone who brings together all these people who work together on the common problems facing the church. there s also the challenge of those, particularly here in the u.s. and in europe, who say they have no religion at all. i read an article pointing out some of the little secrets of the conclave, some of the behind-the-scenes stuff. this i found fascinating. no one ever refused. if you get elected you don t say, no thanks, guys. you take it.
including blessed pope john paul. the vatican confirmed one miracle to him, curing a french nun afflicted with parkinson s disease. if the church can verify a second miracle he will be sainted. as they solemnly march into the sistine chapel, naming the saints, one by one, and asking for their prayers. not necessarily asking for miracles, but as they make this momentous decision, certainly looking for friendly help from above. david wright, abc news, rome. so back in the 13th century they actually were looking for a miracle as far as finally selecting a pope came. they had to lock them in. it took three-plus years. so, they locked the cardinals in and then they took the roof off wherever they were con gated so they could finally come up with a decision. wait a minute. we may have a winner. turn all the lights off. and i decide it s rob