In a world of BlackBerries, laptops, smart phones, emails, tweets, etc., it was inspiring as the world awaited a smoke signal. People of all faiths and I suppose a few atheists also, held their breath waiting for the first glimpse of white smoke. When the billows of white smoke were seen, crowds cheered, cried and prayed.

The day after Pope Francis was elected, he went to his hotel, picked up his luggage, paid his bill and traveled by bus with the cardinals because he "wanted to ride with his brothers."

Not being Catholic myself, all I have to say is: Rock on, Pope Francis, rock on.

Charlotte Kilzer

Cahokia