A TL I'm doing on althistory.comBenedict XVI Passes Away at 86, World Mourns- 3/1/14
http://i4.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article187827.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/pope-benedict-xvi-takes-christmas-eve-mass-pic-getty-158664.jpgVATICAN - The Pope Benedict XVI passed away peacefully last evening following several painful days due to a fall that created a sudden fall in health condition. Bells tolled at Notre Dame, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and St. Peter’s Square among other places. 14 days of mourning will begin with the election of his successor beginning on the 15th of March. This period will include the beginning of the Church’s liturgical season of Lent. There are several frontrunners including one African, which would be quite significant for the Catholic Church.
Former Pope Laid to Rest, Dignitaries Pour in for Funeral- 3/7/14
http://www.orderofmalta.int/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Pope-John-Paul-funerals.jpgROME- The funeral of Pope Benedict XVI surpassed John Paul II’s funeral becoming the greatest gathering of foreign dignitaries as well as the most watched funeral of all time. President Obama, Michelle Obama, Sec. of State John Kerry, Vice President Biden, and Speaker Boehner were the 5 Americans dignitaries sent. Dignitaries from other nations include Ban Ki Moon, the Spanish Monarchs, Mendeleev, Prince Charles, and leaders from other religious denominations including the Patriarch of Greece. With one week until conclave much attention is turning away from the funeral, and towards the election. Although there are speculated frontrunners there is no clear leader, a first for quite some time.
Conclave Begins 1st 2 Ballots Have No Winner- 3/15/14
http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I000070YoaOtCKMc/s/650/HIL0504-18conclave01.jpgROME- Voting has begun for the successor of the late Benedict XVI and is presently underway. 2 Ballots have been cast and both appear to be inconclusive. No one has any clue who the next Holy Father will be, unlike the Election of Benedict XVI a few years ago in which he was the clear frontrunner. Crowds wait anxiously in the Vatican for any news but so far we have no confirmation.
Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi Elected Pope; Takes the Name John XXIV- 3/17/14
http://www.snpcultura.org/fotografias/gianfranco_ravasi_polonia_gf_2.jpgVATICAN CITY- St. Peter’s Chair has once again been filled. Shortly after midnight this morning Cardinal Ravasi was elected Pope. He took the name John XXIV which creates a wide range of symbols and hypotheses about his upcoming reign. Ravasi has shown on the past to be much more moderate than his 2 predecessors and by choosing the name John XXIV many Catholics think he will institute several reforms that could modernize the Church. He is pro-evolution and in several speeches has mentioned Isaac Newton and Alexander Pope among others. Could there be a Vatican III? We willlikely soon see.
Feingold will face Walker in Wisconsin Gubernatorial Election- 3/19/14
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/images/feingold-walker-split.jpgMADISON- Former Senator Russ Feingold won the Democratic Primary in Wisconsin last evening leaving many with the impression that he could defeat incumbent Governor Scott Walker in this year’s election. Feingold beats Walker in a head to head matchup but it could just be to a springboard of noticeability since the early stage of the Campaign. Regardless, the Democrats may be poised to push back one of the Republican gubernatorial icons. However, only time will tell.
Wisconsin Gubernatorial Election 2014 Poll:
Russ Feingold 52%
Scott Walker 47% *
*-Incumbent
