Conclave Blogging

An informative and highly interesting blog about the preparations for, and eventually, on-the-spot reporting about the conclave electing the new pope can be found here, courtesy of Fr. John Neuhaus of First Things. Everything you want to know about potential popes, the politics behind the vote, and other topics of interest to Catholics, as we wait for conclave to begin on August 18.

A sample:

There is the old saying that a cardinal going into the conclave as pope will certainly come out a cardinal. Of course that is not always the case. In the modern era there are several instances of a conclave electing the person widely expected to be elected. Today the focus on Ratzinger is such that one informed observer asks me whether I think his nonelection would be construed as a rejection of the man and his work. Definitely not, or so it seems to me. We are still at an early point in the process and there are many possibilities to be explored. Last night on the broadcast I read a poem that John Paul II composed several years ago. He is anticipating this conclave: The colors of the Sistine will then speak the word of the Lord: / Tu es Petrus--once heard by Simon, son of John.

Then John Paul II looks back to his own election:

So it was in August, and again in October,

in the memorable year of the two conclaves,

and so it will be once more, when the time comes, after my death.

Do not forget: Omnia nuda et aperta sunt ante oculos Eius.

You who see all, point to him!

He will point him out . . .

I expect that is the truth of which electors are now keenly aware: "In the eyes of God all stand naked"--awaiting, in the words of John Paul, the action obedient to the "final transparency and light; the clarity of events, the clarity of conscience."