What if?

What if, the next Pope, is a Filipino? This week, the conclave will convene and elect the next leader of the 1.2 billion strong Catholic faithful. Among the college of cardinals, is our very own Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who is seen as a possible candidate to replace Pope Benedict XVI, who recently stepped down due to health reasons. Cardinal Tagle's name has been included in international media reports as among the papabile, the possible candidates to be elected pope. The historic and iconic Sistine Chapel in Rome is being prepared, along with the oven that will be used to burn the ballots after every vote, until the symbolic white smoke puffs out of the chimney, signifying that a new Pope has been elected!

But the Philippine Church is careful not to raise expectations that the next pontiff will be a Filipino. According to Fr. Francis Luca of the CBCP, pushing our own candidate for the papacy is totally wrong. It just isn't done, like pushing for the Puerto Princesa Underground River as one of the New Seven wonders of the World. Fine, but there is nothing wrong with wishing, right? But according to Vatican analyst John Thavis, Cardinal Tagle's name is always included in discussions at the Vatican, as there are those in the Vatican who would want some change. A young Pope would better understand the problems facing the church in today's world. On the other hand, there are those apprehensive about the choice of a young cardinal since this would mean a longer term. Remember, a pope does not have any term. For as long as he is alive, he sits at the throne of St. Peter. Cardinal Tagle is only 55 years old and has been a cardinal for only four months. And let's face it, old habits die hard, so to speak, especially for an institution steeped into tradition. To have such a young pope may be unthinkable to some in the Vatican.

But the idea of a Filipino pope plays into the minds of many Filipinos. Something that has never happened in the church's history, nor the country's! I cannot imagine the euphoria should it become Archbishop Tagle's destiny to wear the Ring of the Fisherman!  But until the new Pope appears on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, no matter how often the names of the papabile are mentioned, there is no certainty who will be deemed worthy of leading the Catholic Church. After all, it is God Himself who chooses his vicar on earth. The Catholic faithful will definitely follow the progress of the conclave, set to start this Tuesday, until the famous white smoke wafts out of the chimney. Hopefully sending Archbishop Tagle's name into the heavens!