1PETER4:10
To my dear children, Lilly, Joel, and Luke; Thank you for showing me the true meaning of love. Being your mom has been my greatest adventure! These stories are for you!
All my love, Mom.
By: Jennifer Falestiny, PhD
Welcome to the Vatican City! My name is Chris! My friend Mary and I are going to tell you about a very special event that takes place when the our Catholic church needs a new shepherd. 1
It is called the Papal Conclave: a sacred, silent journey guided by the Holy Spirit.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals sit beneath Michelangelo’s great painting, The Last Judgment. A special stove burns their ballots, and smoke rises from a small chimney above.
If the smoke is black, it means no pope yet.
If the smoke is white, the world knows we have a new pope!
Each morning begins with prayer or Mass. Then, in silence, the cardinals walk to the Sistine Chapel. 9
They follow special paths through Vatican corridors, away from the public eye.
To keep everything private and secure, signal blocking devices block external communication, 13
and the Swiss Guard protects every door. Silence is the sacred rule.
