[AlbionGirl]

Mahony, however, whom I have no love for, made an astute observation that no cardinal from a country where no one goes to church would be elected pope.

I guess that's a double edged sword, isn't it? It may eliminate Ratzinger, but it also eliminates Kasper, which in my mind would be a good thing.

I'm torn about how to view the whole process. Is it not political at all? That's hard for me to believe. Does the Holy Spirit do His work despite the politics? Of course, he can do anything he wants. But does He intervene with free will on such a massive scale? That's what I'm not sure of.

[murphE]

Does the Holy Spirit do His work despite the politics? Of course, he can do anything he wants. But does He intervene with free will on such a massive scale? That's what I'm not sure of.

The Holy Spirit will only guide them if they invoke the Holy Spirit. God's permissive will allows them to reject His guidance. However, we do know that God sometimes permits evil in order to bring about a greater good to serve his perfect will. Therefor, whatever the outcome, it still is God's will.

[k omalley]

"Does the Holy Spirit do his work despite the politics?"

I realize that it's practically an article of faith that the Holy Spirit wins the day in the election of a pope but there was an interesting discussion on Amy Welborn's blog about some really bad popes who couldn't possibly have been the Holy Spirit's choice. And what about JPI who was pope for a month?

I'm sure the cardinals can ignore the Holy Spirit, but likewise the Holy Spirit can work even through all the politics involved. And if a bad pope is elected the Holy Spirit can use that for his purposes also. So, I believe that in the long run, the Holy Spirit does win the day, no matter what.

[siunevada]

Is it not political at all? That's hard for me to believe.

What's the old saying: grace builds upon nature?

Of course human political considerations have their part, the Church is a human as well as a divine institution. The only guarantee is no error in teaching faith and morals.

If you like scary stories, read a history of the popes. We've had some doozies.