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Explaining to your child about choosing a new pope:
Pope John Paul II has lived a long life and guided all of us for many years. Jesus has called him to heaven. Now he is with the saints in heaven. Some day we also will be with Jesus forever! Now it is time to elect a new Pope who will lead us. The ones who elect the new Pope are called Cardinals. These Cardinals do not play baseball like the St. Louis Cardinals. These Cardinals are the close advisors of the Pope, and it is their responsibility to elect the man who will be the new Pope. The Cardinals elect the new Pope at a special meeting called a conclave. The Holy Spirit guides the Cardinals in the conclave. We can pray for the Cardinals too. Jesus promised to be with his Church forever. He promised the Holy Spirit as a special guide to his Church. The Holy Spirit has guided the Church for over 2000 years and the Spirit will guide us today. Our new Pope will guide us all with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He will help us get very close to Jesus. He will teach us how to live more like Jesus. Let us pray a little prayer for our new Holy Father: Lord of heaven and earth, bless the man who will be chosen as our new Pope. Let him feel your Holy Spirit guide him. May he teach us the way to heaven. May we be good and true followers of Jesus who is Lord. Amen. For more information on Popes and electing a new Pope: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm Vocations · Support the Pauline Mission · Job Opportunities Copyright © 1999-2004, Daughters of St. Paul. All Rights Reserved.
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The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church. Jesus’ Spirit guides the Pope together with the bishops to teach us as Jesus would. Pope John Paul II has been our leader for the past 26 years. Before him there were 264 other popes. They go all the way back to St. Peter—the man Jesus himself chose to be the leader of the Church.