New Papa

​Greetings to you.
It has been interesting to follow the process of selecting and installing a new pope. One reminder, regardless of religious affiliation: in our decision-making there are times we must necessarily shut out mundane distractions and listen closely. 
Incidentally, among other things, Pope Leo’s first Sunday message poignantly highlighted the need to resist unholy polarization and divisions, and to end international wars. This is not a new call, but one that is now most urgent as we seek for heightened dignity and civility, as part of the human experience, in a postmodern era.
The poem below was composed to honour this historic papal transition.
Good cheers. 

IN SUCCESSION
 
The sudden, yet expected passing of / The aged Pope Francis who’d served so well 
Was a source of both great sadness and hope / For it triggered a grand Easter farewell
Plus a conclave to choose a successor / As the centuries-old practice requests 
And bells tolled eighty-eight times in honour / When the deceased pontiff was laid to rest 
 
Millions of followers anguished and prayed / For the late pope’s soul in heavenly climb
While scores of cardinals across the globe / Convened at the Sistine Chapel in time
 
There in strict seclusion and secrecy / They petition, deliberate and vote  
Till they confirm majority support / Naming the man whom the group would promote 
 
The world with bated breath stood patiently / As black smoke arose to signal no choice 
Then three rounds later, white smoke billowed high / And the crowds cheered in a rapturous voice 
 
From the Square’s crimson balcony appeared / The surprise chosen one for all to see
Pope Leo the Fourteenth in succession / Marks a new chapter in the papacy
 
© 2025 - David A. McAdam
 

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