New Pope 2013: On March 19 Installation, Will Pope Francis Publicly Swear to Maintain His Post ‘Till Death Do Us Part?’
Despite the shock and surprise of the Jesuit order and the conspiracy theories of doomsday sayers surrounding his chosen papal name and blood lineage, among others, newly proclaimed 266th heir to the throne of St Peter the Apostle, now known as Pope Francis, will be formally installed next Tuesday, March 19. Much is expected of the former cardinal from Argentina. Many are waiting and observing just how he will work around the crisis-riddled Catholic church. But more than that perhaps, many are gauging just how sincere is he to the challenge.
It's not very often in a cardinal's lifetime that he gets to participate in two conclaves. Much more it's not also perhaps often that his name comes out as among the top contenders.
Pope Francis almost became pope in the 2005 conclave. But history has since recorded that it was former German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger who emerged after the white smoke at the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. He then became to be known as Pope Benedict XVI, successor of Pope John Paul II.
Eight years after, in a pronouncement that shocked all the four corners of the earth, citing failing health, Pope Benedict XVI abdicated from his post as spiritual leader of the 1.2 billion-strong Roman Catholic faith. Although he was not the first ever pope to have had turned his back, he was however the first in 600 years. The great timing of his resignation further threw nails to the already crisis-reeking religious institution, damaged from hounds of sexual abuse and corruptions allegations.
Although any pope has a right to resign from his post, being a direct servant of God, he is expected to renounce whatever free will he has.
The college of cardinals who flew to Rome early this month had been reported to will ask and make the new pope, whoever he is, to pledge to a lifetime act of service, "to serve until his death." They want this done not just in the exclusive confines of the Vatican, but proclaimed during the inaugural address.
And with the new Pope Francis having an allegiance to the Jesuit order, who were trained to become followers or servants rather than leaders, just how much of this will play up in his papacy tenure?
On his March 19 installation, will Pope Francis publicly swear to maintain his post "till death do us part?"
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