Habemus Papam? Maybe?
Many people and seasoned Vatican watchers around the Vatican have the impression that today might be the day the new Pope is elected.
I’ve spoken with individuals who have been following Vatican affairs for decades, and they say it would be surprising if no Pope were elected today. Everyone is waiting for the moment when Cardinal Dominique Mamberti appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s (unless he himself is the one elected) to announce the name of the new Pope to the world.
I cannot hide the fact that, among some representatives of the conservative Catholic world, a certain fear, a certain nervousness has begun to take root—as if they sense that the coming pontificate might not be much better for them than the one before. In my opinion, those fears are quite justified.
Not a few Cardinals have progressive leanings, and there is reason to be concerned.
As I write these lines, just a few steps from St. Peter’s Square, I too am worried. Before long, the result of the third vote of the day (the fourth in total) should be announced, and I am hoping with all my heart that the new Pope will be a man capable of reconciling the various forces within the Catholic Church—but above all, that he will be a man of God and of solid doctrine.
Are these reasonable hopes? Certainly. Yet I cannot help but feel uneasy.
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Aurelio Porfiri is a composer, conductor, educator and writer. His music is published in Italy, France, United States, Germany and China. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Association Romaeterna Cantores. He has published over 70 books, that include The Catholic Mass (with bishop Athanasius Schneider), When the Harps went Still (with bishop Athanasius Schneider and Guido Milanese), The Right Hand of the Lord is Exalted, Non nova sed noviter.
On September 2025 will debut his online course based on the book The Catholic Massthat he will run together with several guests.
