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Viewpoint from Rev Helen Garrard 23/05/2025
 Rev Helen Garrard
Lead Chaplain, Norfolk Community Health and Care
and
Associate Priest in the Rockland Benefice (Bramerton Group)
and
Bishop's Advisor for Healthcare Chaplaincy
Sitting at my desk on a sunny May afternoon I have half an eye on the fragile looking chimney situated rather precariously on the tiled roof of the Sistine Chapel. It is 8th May and the Papal Conclave began the day before- A vote is expected anytime. Suddenly the crowd erupt in joyous applause as the first wisps of white smoke curl their way from the chimney. Soon billows of smoke and the sound of bells signify the election of a new pope. A little over an hour later we learn that the new pope is Pope Leo XIV and he will lead 1.4 billion Catholics across the world
 Then the moment the crowd have been waiting for Pope Leo XIV emerges from the window; hands extended in a gesture of acceptance and blessing - “Peace be with all of you”
A moment in history; a defining moment for the Catholic Church
As I watch, I reflect on my own leadership - I wonder what it is like to have been elected as pope. I wonder how he feels and what complexity of thoughts and hopes and maybe not a little anxiety must be running through his mind
Later still we learn the new Pope’s age. At 69 years old he is relatively young and almost exactly 20 years younger than Pope Francis who had died just 2 and a half weeks earlier
Our years are very much marked by endings and beginnings, and I am sure some of those who gathered to greet the new pope would have been amongst those who saw Pope Francis ministering generously from his frailty on Easter Sunday just hours before he died
Having turned 60 myself just a few weeks ago I am feeling very aware of the passage of time – retirement looms and it is time to take stock and think ahead. I find it deeply humbling that this is the age when some of the best known and loved leaders of the world are just getting going- being Pope, King and possibly Archbishop of Canterbury are roles which draw not on youthful energy and ambition but on the wisdom and confidence of experience. As we move through our lives let us be thankful for the years, hopeful for the grace to share all that they give and respectful of those older than ourselves who share their wisdom with us
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