Winnipeg’s faithful are eagerly awaiting Tuesday’s papal decision in Vatican City.
They may come from all walks of life, but those attending the service at the St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church all share the same faith.
“It’s a growing community because of the migrants...the diversity of people who are coming here,” said Alberto Sangalang, deacon of the church.
More than two thousand people fill the pews at St. Edward’s for mass every weekend. As they pray, their thoughts also turn to a very historic event that will unfold.
Sangalang believes the discernment of the pope is very important. The papal conclave begins on Tuesday, when 115 cardinals will elect a new pontiff.
One of the papal hopefuls is Canadian Marc Ouellet. He’s the head of the Vatican’s office for bishops. He has consulted with Popes Benedict XVI and John Paul II. On Sunday, he led mass at a local parish in Rome.
Whether it’s Ouellet or another, the role won’t come without challenges.
Papal commentator Solange Lefebvre said, “We would need a pope that would be capable that would be able to unify conservatives and liberals.”
Here in Winnipeg, the possibility of a Canadian pope has the faithful excited. One person says it’s about time a pope comes from North America after previous popes coming from elsewhere around the world.
Other people say it’s out of their hands, left for the cardinals to determine.
When the cardinals decide, white smoke will rise from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, telling the world a new leader has been chosen. The cardinals will need a two-thirds majority in order for a new pope to be named.
- with a story by CTV's Rajeev Dhir
