LAYMAN BECOMES POPE.
Can a layman and an ordinary farmer become a Pope or only a Cardinal can become a Pope?
Fabian was a simple farmer from the outskirts of Rome. On the day of the election of the successor of Pope Anterus, Fabian was at the tomb of Saint Peter where he had gone to pray. As the names were called out, the assembled Christians saw a dove resting on the head of ordinary farmer Fabian. Thinking that it was a sign from Heaven, they elected. He was ordained a Deacon, Priest and Bishop on the same day. The next day he was elevated to the 20th Pope of the Church. During the reign of Emperor Dicius in the year 249 Church under the leadership of Pope Fabian suffered the worst persecution and finally the Pope Fabian was martyred on 20th January 250.
History repeats itself, it is said. Many people are speculating many things. Cardinal Dias who is my Goan �bhau� is also tipped to be the likely next Pope. He is feeling proud to be a Goan and to declare Konkani is his language. If he is elected to be the next Pope by the Cardinals, I will be the happiest person to know this news. And why not he be elected? The election of the Pope is the work of the Holy Spirit. If an ordinary farmer with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit can become the Pope then why not somebody who is much - much more higher than the ordinary farmer?? I pray that the Holy Spirit will inspire all the Cardinals to elect and select the right candidate.
A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait.
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