The new pontiff..

and yes, in less than three weeks’ time, the new pontiff has sworn in… Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, from Germany has been elected the new pontiff.. the 78 yr old, a close associate of Pope John Paul II, is touted to be a very good administrator…

I was watching those exciting moments on BBC worldwide.. the white smoke emerging through the chimney signifying the success of the conclave of cardinals in electing the new pontiff.. the red curtains, parted in the middle.. thousands thronging St. Peters’ Basilica, waiting to get a first glimpse of the new pope.. his very first address in Italian… indeed, they were moments of great joy for the 1 billion Catholics the world over and to all those who see the papacy as something very special..

am really looking forward to see Pope Benedict XVI leading the Catholic Church and the world population into the new era.. an era of universal brotherhood, compassion and love…