And so it came to pass we have a new Pope, Francis I.
He looks like a bright and kindly man, who will lead the church into the future.
I for one am pleased to see the first pope from the Americas; it has been a long time in coming.
Furthermore, his humble life-style in Argentina, and care of the poor, are excellent attributes for the modern-day leader.
The Red Cardinal blog cannot miss the opportunity to admire the red cardinals;
Imagine trying to concentrate in the Sistine Chapel surrounded by the frescos of Michaelangelo...
The throne of St Peter..
Our one Australian Cardinal, George Pell, was there to vote, of course.
I don't think we will see an Australian pope in my lifetime.
The white smoke: a quaint traditional way to spread the news.
We are told the new pope takes his name from St Francis of Assisi ..
St Francis lived a life of poverty and founded the Franciscan order of friars.
He is known as the patron saint of animals and the environment, and created the first Nativity Scene.
He died in 1226.
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And if you are easily horrified look away now -
Amid a chorus of lorikeets shrieking,
this little scene occurred just outside our window during breakfast this week:
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Quite put me off, it did...
(Subsequent photos are too gruesome for publication)
It is a jungle here at the Red Cardinal nest.
Have a lovely weekend
xxxx
Good grief, is that snake eating that beautiful bird? How do you keep your pets safe with that kind of danger around?
ReplyDeleteBut loved all the Cardinal stuff. I'll bet we have an Australian Pope before we have an American one. (As opposed to South American, of course.)
This is a half-grown python, Beryl, who was extra naughty. He spent four hours trying to devour the bird, then gave up and left it on the bird feeder. Re pets, well a full-grown python will take a small dog; therefore small dogs stay indoors at night. Pythons are mainly nocturnal and don't like the sun.
DeleteSo you don't think North America will provide a pope any time soon? I suppose not next, anyway, they will go back to Europe.
I was enjoying the red cardinal information, but the last photo is really and truly unbelievable, an image I shall not forget in a hurry, but thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteDear Rosemary, While Australians are well aware of the activities of the scrub python snakes, I was not sure how the rest of the world would react to it. It is the first time I have seen such an event up close and on my own house. It was awful but fascinating. Let's hope it is also the last time I see it!
Deletei was looking forward to some red caardinal posting after the conclave did their work. i'm pretty cynical about it all, but , despite knowing he is very conservative on things like gay marriage and women clergy....he does seem to have stolen some people's hearts already.... his first words, his humility, taking the bus home with the cardinals, paying for his room.... and the jokes with the cardinals maybe show we have a slightly different sort of person heading up the catholic church now....lets hope whatever he is like, he is able to use his influence for good.
ReplyDeleteAs for the python.....aggghhhh......amazing photo though. Jx
Well put, Janice, quite a good beginning, and time will tell.
DeleteI hate pythons! x
That's an amazing photo, but that poor bird! I was a bit annoyed that once again they chose someone who's in his mid seventies.They clearly don't want someone who will have the energy and drive to push for the changes that are needed.
ReplyDeleteI also was hoping for a younger pope. Have not seen a list of their ages, but wonder if there was not a suitable younger candidate, with a fresh approach. I like that he is not Italian and comes from the Americas.
DeletePoor lorikeet indeed, and his mates showed precious little concern I might add.
A sight too often seen for us Aussies - does he live in your roof????
ReplyDeleteJudith, I fear that he may have moved in. Or worse, that being a youngster he is part of a group of them. No way am I going into the roof space to find out!
DeleteAlthough not of the Catholic faith, I followed the news and it seems like the new Pope has some good things to offer.
ReplyDeleteAs for the last photo - I can cope with what the snake is doing (part of nature) but I don't think I could cope with having him on my roof.
Darla
I don't like the idea of snakes inside the roof either, Darla! However the pythons seem adept at getting into and living there and many houses have them, especially on the edge of the city as we are. They come from the bush. In the past people encouraged them because they keep the rats and mice away.
DeleteInteresting and informative post, Patricia. I'm not Catholic but have followed the selection of the pope with fascination. I am pleased the new pope took the name Francis, as I am fond (is that appropriate?) of St. Francis of Assisi and I have a statutory of his likeness in my garden. As for the snake, too horrible! Poor bird; but you're right -- it's nature. I have experienced similarly horrible things with my doggies raiding rabbit nests and my kitties killing birds, but none so pretty as your lorikeet.
ReplyDeleteI like Francis of Assisi too Sanda. How lovely to have his satue in the garden - I'd love that too. We used to have a cat which caught small poisonous snakes and brought them into the house, which was unnerving. Luckily there are plenty of lorikeets around so we continue to have our birdy friends.
DeleteIf we became certain there was a snake living permanently in our roof, yes we would have it removed. But often they are just passing by. We haven't seen it for three days so hopefully it is gone.
ReplyDeleteMy mother loved to tell the story of how when she married my Dad, a farmer, she refused to live in his farmhouse until he removed 'his' python, which lived above the verandah.
ReplyDeleteI am relieved that the previous pope was allowed to retire - at last. Such a tiresome job too.
ReplyDeleteThe new one smiles and seems to be in good health and is more talkative.
Hopefully he won´t have to continue in his job forever.
Agreeing with the others of the " horrible " picture. I hate snakes, argh.
Having second thoughts about visiting Australia ; )!
I agree, the idea of retirement at a suitable time is a good one for popes as well as everyone else.
DeletePlease visit Australia if you wish Mette - it is rare to see these snakes and you would only see one in a zoo. The photos I took were the first I have ever been in a position to do safely.
I agree with your view of the new Pope, Patricia. Despite his conservatism ion some issues I like his simplicity and humility and I think he will set a very different tone in the Vatican and in his dealings with the outside world. But i don't envy him his task one little bit!
ReplyDeleteYour last photo, though shocking, is a great image. I'm just glad I don't live where you do, as I'm not sure I could cope with all your snakes and other dangerous creatures.
I think to become Pope would be less of a triumph and more of a penance, Perpetua!
DeleteThe snake scene is very rare, which is why I filmed it. They usually confine their hunting activities to areas well away from people and cameras. I think we all grow up with an instinct not to go where snakes may be hiding.
The new pope's concern for the poor fills me with hope. On the other hand, your picture of the snake filled me with horror. I should have heeded your warning not to look. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi, I feel hopeful too. Everyone looked at the snake despite the warning - funny how we can't resist!
DeleteWell very appropriate for your blog Patricia!!
ReplyDeleteI've had a similar background to you - except I had a french order of nuns! The beginnings of my love affair with France no doubt!
Don't they all look superb in their red!
I feel a breath of fresh air sweeping through the corridors of the Vatican, though sadly change happens slowly.
I have an Argentinian friend who as you can imagine is "over the moon"!!!
Shane ♥
Oooh, French nuns, Shane - how chic! You were picking up French while I was learning bits of Irish and not even being aware. Can imagine the Argentinians being excited! xxx
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