Interesting news that they are looking at fast tracking him to Sainthood. Warranted most probably, but you would think that sort of thing would be not talked about until after a suitable time of mourning wouldn't you.

Liz,

That would have been a wonderful moment. Unfortunately I have only ever had the pleasure of meeting and serving Cardinals here in Sydney, although not serving for a long time now. There is a certain air about these men in high positions and the respect that they seem to enjoy unreservadly from people no matter who they are or the faith they follow.

It was a great sign of respect that he took the time to recongnise you for the work you were presenting to him and show that in his own way, he was just a man, an ordinary man to his congrigation, even though he was at the head of it. Something that I think some others who attain these levels could take as an example of how to represent themselves.

Interesting how fast they got him out to the people for their respectful viewing, and it is great they are giving people a reasonable amount of time to show it. Great too, that they are going to stick with tradition and bury him in St Peter's Crypts as well, another show of respect for the position that he held. I think it would have been a great shame not to bury him in a house that he has lived in and represented for so long, although can understand the thinking of him being buried in his homeland as well.

Now the next part of the process will be the most interesting to watch as it unfolds. I just hope they make the right decision.