The Catholic Liturgy: One Issue, Many Questions

Congratulations to His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Arinze, on celebrating 60 outstanding years of Episcopal service! 🙏 We are grateful to God for your unwavering dedication and commitment to the Church. May God bless you with ongoing strength, vitality, wisdom, and happiness. Ad multos annos! Amen.

BREAKING: We have a new pope! White smoke has emerged from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating that the College of Cardinals has made its selection. From the 133 cardinals who have been gathered in the Vatican since May 7, one has been chosen as the 267th leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His name will be revealed soon.

The Papal Conclave has officially begun, with cardinals now gathered and locked inside the beautiful Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.

The faithful are warmly invited to join in prayer, seeking God’s guidance, wisdom, and unity as the cardinals make this momentous decision.

Happy birthday, beloved Padre! May the Eternal One crown your life with perpetual grace, deepen your wells of wisdom, and anoint you anew for greater exploits in His vineyard. We are profoundly grateful for your tireless online teachings and the unwavering zeal with which you defend the Holy Mother Church. As you journey through the corridors of destiny, may your light blaze ever brighter to the glory of God and the edification of His Church.

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From the moment he was elected on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis broke tradition to reflect his deep commitment to humility and simplicity. He rejected the papal red shoes, gold cross, and royal mozzetta, opting instead for his worn black shoes and silver cross from his days as Archbishop in Argentina. He declined luxury transport, choosing to ride the bus with other cardinals and later using a modest car rather than the papal Mercedes.

Francis also chose to live in the simple Casa Santa Marta instead of the Apostolic Palace, becoming the first pope since the 17th century to do so. Even in Argentina, he was known for wearing second-hand robes and avoiding status symbols. His life has consistently echoed his message: reject excess, serve with humility, and stand with the poor.

He will be the first pope in over 120 years to be buried outside St. Peter’s Basilica, by his own request, at the Basilica of St. Mary Major.

Cardinal Arinze of Nigeria—His's a legend! He’s wise, respected, and loved by many (me included). So it’s no surprise that whenever there’s talk of a new pope, people start whispering, “What about Cardinal Arinze?”

But here’s the plot twist: as much as we’d all love to see him in that white cassock, he’s not eligible to be the next pope. Why? Because Church rules say only cardinals under the age of 80 can vote or be voted for in the Conclave. And our dear Cardinal Arinze has gracefully passed that milestone.

So no, he won’t be coming out on that balcony—but let’s be honest, if wisdom and holiness alone could make someone pope, he’d already have been elected three times over!

Still, we keep cheering him on—from the sidelines of history, where legends continue to inspire. He is Prince of African.
Rev fr Prince Chidi Philip

BREAKING: Pope Francis passed away this morning, April 21, at the Vatican. The 88-year-old pontiff taught us to live the values of the Gospel with courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and marginalized.

Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 a.m. local time on Easter Monday, April 21, at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Marta, as confirmed by the Holy See Press Office. The 88-year-old pontiff led the Catholic Church for a little more than 12 years.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, officially announced the pope’s death in a video message. “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Farrell stated.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of God and his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized.”

The Vatican has not yet announced details regarding the funeral arrangements for the first Latin American pope in history. A conclave to elect his successor will be convoked in the coming days.

BREAKING: Pope Francis, first Latin American pope, dies at 88 Pope Francis, who led the Catholic Church for just over 12 years as its first Latin American pontiff, has died at age 88.

Amen.