This is Why I'm Catholic...
On the upcoming conclave
When I came into the Church back in 1998, a huge part of the reason was the authority of the Church.
I had grown up on the shifting sands of Protestantism and found a firm foundation in the Church founded by Jesus Christ.
Of course, the papacy is a huge part of that.
And while there is a great deal of buzz about who the next pope might be, I find great joy and peace in the knowledge that regardless of who is chosen, God is ultimately in control.
Even so, that doesn't mean we just sit back and wait to see who it's going to be.
Don't forget that our prayers are powerfully efficacious channels of grace God sets up to accomplish his perfect will.
So let's take all we've been learning in the Introduction to Real Prayer series and put it to use in praying for both the repose of the soul of Pope Francis, as well as the upcoming conclave.
May the Holy Spirit guide the cardinals to elect a Holy Father who will further lead the Church to grow in holiness and in joyful witness to the Truth.
Keep praying!
Matthew