Ten Notes For The Cardinals Of The Next Conclave

First, this post does not promote a wish for the untimely demise of Pope Francis.

Second, this blogger does not pretend that the opinions, beliefs and/or facts expressed herein this blog will be heard, listened to or valued by cardinals of the Holy Roman Church. (Just keepin' it real.)

Third, mindful of the second premise, the thoughts presented herein might seed the airwaves with sobering reminders so that, when we are faced with a bad pope, we will know exactly who to hold accountable and those for whom we should pray. (Read the last phrase through a lens of humility and a hint of good willed mirth. See below: Point #9.)

Fourth, mindful once again of the second premise, as a thought exercise with no intention of overestimating or underestimating its potential resonance, it may be that by exploring a few ideas in public that others may weigh in (in this or their own and/or other forums) and add their own thoughts to help extend the reach of the third premise.

So then, to the cardinals of the next conclave: Your Eminences, keep in mind the following rather obvious recommendations.

1. The obvious: go to confession before you enter the Sistine Chapel. St James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.
2. Another obvious recommendation: pray. Ask your respective flocks to pray for you. Align yourselves to the Holy Spirit. Pray the Veni Creator Spiritus. Entrust all your thoughts and actions to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
3. Read St John 21:15-19.
4. Outside the Sistine Chapel, keep your mouths shut. Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man conceals his knowledge, but fools proclaim their folly.
5. Leave you cellphones back in your respective hotel rooms or apartments. Leave your computers, tablets and whatever other electronics you might have back in your hotel rooms or apartments.
6. Do not engage in religious politicking. Remember Who it is that you serve, and in Whose Name you act. God sees all; God judges all. Render unto God what is God's!
7. Be mindful of the four last things: death, judgement, heaven or hell. Act accordingly.
8. Be mindful of the example of your favourite saint. Saint John Vianney, perhaps? Do not try to please everybody. Try to please God, the angels, and the saints - they are your public.
9. Think of those cardinals who have elected bad popes. Do you want to be one of those who elects a bad pope? There are too many wolves among the sheep. St Matthew 18:5-7 Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened round his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for temptations to sin! For it is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the man by whom the temptation comes!
10. Remember that the salvation of souls - which is nothing less than the sole reason for the Incarnation, the Suffering, Crucifixion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ - is clearly and unambiguously codified as the supremus lex (the supreme law) of the Roman Catholic Church (Canon Law 1752): Salus animarum suprema lex esto — Let the salvation of souls be the supreme law.