We grew up in various denominations or in atheistic surroundings but we have all come to realise, that different paths do not lead to one and same destination. There are so many ways out there to choose from, so many people offering answers; Protestants, Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses, Adventists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Buddhists, Moslems, atheists, ... The question is:

What is right way, what is truth?

The answer you often hear is "Everybody has his own truth", or "No one can really know it". In our opinion, such statements contradict fact that there is a reality. Either earth is round or it is flat. It cannot be both. The one reality remains absolute and unchanged regardless of way you look at it. It is same with religious questions. When it comes down to it, it is not possible for two opposing and contradictory alternatives to exist simultaneously, one for you and one for me. If reality is that there is a resurrection after death then there cannot be reincarnation. You cannot have both eternal life after death and annihilation of soul. If matter was created by God it cannot have existed from eternity. Or let us consider some other questions to which contradictory answers cannot both be right: Is Jesus God, or is he not? Does God predestine people to condemnation, or does he not? Can a man fall away from God, or can he not? Is man sinful by nature, or is he not? Does hell exist, or does it not?

Do not such questions and others like them inspire everybody who wants to get to know God's nature to have a standpoint? Can we remain indifferent to these questions if we are interested in finding out how to live according to God's will?

To find answers to these questions we think that we need neither a new revelation nor a new special method of interpreting Bible. Nor do we think that we are source of truth - we are far from being arrogant or from being perfect - but we believe that truth is accessible, because Jesus revealed it to mankind.

The majority of people hold opinion that there is no absolute truth. In our society, view that truth is relative is predominating ideology. Many people have become accustomed to this stream of thought and think that one's idea of truth is relative and has no validity for others, "What seems good to me is what is right!" However, if everything has same validity, then in end nothing matters; standard according to which good and bad, right and wrong are measured, is completely missing. Everyone can find something to suit his own personal taste and needs. People paint their own picture of heaven, choosing colours from a palette of their own desires and wishes, creating their own religion, which seems to fit well enough for time being... In fact, religion is widely treated as yet another branch of arts, like world of fashion in which people shape trends and trends, in turn shape people.

However, God's way is different:

So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, "If you continue in My word, {then} you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know truth, and truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32)

Given our relative success with this “experiment in liberty,” we Americans may think that elected office is our own invention. Fact is, this young republic is still on training wheels. The Catholic Church has trod this path for better part of two millennia. Perhaps it is worth revisiting oldest electoral process in world, which gives one billion Catholics their Supreme Pontiff. The Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by Pope John Paul II on February 22, 1996, provides clear guidance on how Church is to go about selecting next Vicar of Christ.

The passing of a pope is one of those moments that can virtually define an era. It is among pivotal events that serve as milestones in a life span, such as JFK’s fateful visit to Dallas, Neil Armstrong’s first steps on moon, or Dow passing 10,000 mark. A vacancy in See of Peter prompts an outpouring of love coupled with a whirlwind of speculation. It closes door of history and opens window of opportunity. First, however, we grieve.

The Apostolic Constitution prescribes a nine day mourning period in honor of deceased pope, with burial to occur between fourth and sixth days. This duration has both a devotional aspect and a practical one. Proper mourning protocols must be observed for this citizen of world. As pope is a Head of State, Vatican will serve as host to both secular and religious leaders who attend funeral rites and pay respects of their particular society. With few exceptions, business of Church is essentially stopped during this time of reflection and prayer. Even any Councils or Synods in progress are immediately suspended until approved to continue by new pope.

This period of time is largely overseen by an individual known as Cardinal “Camerlengo” or Chamberlain. His job, as described in Apostolic Constitution, is “...safeguarding and administering goods and temporal rights of Holy See.” He meets with College of Cardinals to decide issues that include funeral and internment details, approval of expenditures, destruction of Fisherman’s Ring, lodging assignments for arriving electors and selection of theologians who will prepare two key meditations. These meditations are mandated by Constitution and will ultimately be delivered to gathered College of Cardinals. The meditations focus on problems facing Church and need for discernment in coming election. Given that Cardinal electors hail from every corner of globe, these meditations will help them to understand “State of Church.”

The College of Cardinals is restricted by Constitution to a total of 120 eligible voters. As long as a Cardinal has not yet reached his 80th birthday on day of pope’s death, he may cast a vote in election. Thanks to vision of Pope John Paul II, College enjoys a multi-national composition, which is sure to translate into a rich harvest of qualified papabile, or papal candidates. Not all Cardinals are bishops, so it is possible that electors could choose a man for papacy who does not possess highest degree of Holy Orders. As pope is first and foremost Bishop of Rome, Apostolic Constitution calls for immediate episcopal consecration of new Pontiff, if necessary.