Pope Francis

Before the Conclave to elect a new Pope, the Cardinals have several meetings, not to canvass support - that is not permitted  - but to exchange views.  They can be joined by the older Cardinals who are not allowed to vote but can offer guidance.  I was interested to learn that at one of these get-togethers Cardinal Bergoglio made a short speech which included the following: “When Jesus said ‘Behold I stand at the door and knock’ people assumed He was outside, wanting to come in.  But sometimes Jesus  knocks from within, wanting to be let out into the wider world.”  This sentiment sounded familiar - where had I heard it before?  Then I remembered! My blog of 2nd May 2011 when I recounted my encounter with John Paul II and ‘saw’ Jesus - “ here He was, trapped in all the ceremonial of the Church of Rome when He wanted to be out among His people.”  Welcome, Pope Francis.