Thoughts Along the Journey

 We have a pope! Millions around the world were glued to their TVs, computers, phones, and radios as the white smoke came streaming from the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel.  Then, the time of more waiting, as the result of the vote would be announced.  Cheers rang out as the name of the new pontiff was declared:  Cardinal Robert Prevost is the new pope, choosing the title of Pope Leo XIV. I will admit, I have never heard of Cardinal Robert Prevost.  I was shocked to learn of his birth and upbringing in Chicago.  An American pope?!  I never thought I would hear those words in my lifetime! After the proclamation, I made the mistake of scrolling through social media. I erroneously imagined the world rejoicing at this moment.  However, all the trolls came out of the woodwork.  Anger against the Catholic Church (and Christianity in general) was spewed all over the internet.  Accusations hurled this way and that.  Ugh. Our family convert...