Did you notice the bird on the Sistine Chapel smokestack?


Was the appearance of this seagull on the roof of the Sistine Chapel an hour or so prior to the appearance of the new pope, a precursor of the pope's selection of the name, Francis I? Perhaps St. Francis of Assisi might have been sending a subtle hint to the faithful of what's coming.

God Bless our new Holy Father...Francis I


Let us pray for Francis, our Pope. May the Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies. 

 O God, Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, look mercifully upon Thy servant, Francis, whom Thou hast chosen as shepherd to preside over Thy Church. Grant him, we beseech Thee, that by his word and example, he may edify those over whom he hath charge, so that together with the flock committed to him, may he attain everlasting life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen