A Carmelite Pope?

I was actually staying in the Holy Land on the occasion of a Carmelite Renewal Course in 2013 at the time Pope Francis was elected.  Our group watched the declaration on television and cheered for him.  Twelve years have passed since then and now we have another papal election.  We know we must all pray for the Cardinal electors.  We now have an OCD Cardinal among them, Anders Arborelius, who could be a candidate.  He converted from Lutheranism aged twenty, and that itself marks him out – I can’t think of a previous convert Pope, so it would be a great surprise if he were elected, although the Holy Spirit seems to delight in surprises.  Cardinal Arborelius has an impressive academic record including a doctorate, so he combines intellect with devotion to the contemplative life.  He tells us that from his youth he had a longing for a life of prayer and silent adoration.  In that case election to the papacy would be a heavy cross for him.

Intercessions:

Louise Aldred OCDS RIP – a long-time member of the Nottingham Secular community

Brian Davis – cancer

Marie, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him) - cancer

Siena, Elara – sick children

Wojtek – massive heart attack leaving him incapacitated

David - housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Rebekah – in hospital