We are living in a historic time in the Catholic Church. With only two other popes having resigned before Pope Benedict XVI, we’re in relatively uncharted waters concerning what will be happening in the Catholic Church in the coming weeks and months.
At this point in history as Catholics, we have a unique opportunity to profess and share our Catholic faith. Pope Benedict XVI has shown the world his faithfulness and obedience to God. He is the example we need as Catholics as this time, as living our Catholic faith becomes more polarizing and is seen as negative and “not with the times.”
There are already all sorts of questions, controversy and false stories about why Pope Benedict XVI has resigned, how the election of a new pope will take place, discussion about how the Catholic Church needs to change its stance on things such as abortion, birth control, same-sex marriage, female priests and more.
Now is a time for us as Catholics to learn more about our faith and develop a deeper conviction for the faith we profess. And for many people right now, the best way to start the conversation with a non-Catholic or a less-convicted-in-the-faith-than-you Catholic is to start a conversation about Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation and thoughts on who the next pope will be. So, as we participate with the rest of the world in #popewatch2013, here’s a list of resources to help you understand, explain and pray for all things papal:
Websites:
Electing the Pope: How the Papal Conclave works, and other questions about the papacy
How a Pope is Elected (interactive graphic showing the process of the papal conclave)
Videos:
How to Become Pope (secular video that uses business words like “corporate ladder” and “career”)
How Do They Choose the Pope? (by Busted Halo)
Read, watch, enjoy and learn!
*Please let me know of any other resources to add to the list or comment below with other suggested sites, videos, etc.
