Thursday, March 14, 2013

21st-Century Conclave

Yesterday's "white smoke rising" moment really brought home just how connected the world is. The Papal Chimney Watch was in full swing in the early afternoon, and I was in the car listening to commentary on satellite radio's The Catholic Channel. My husband was with me, commenting that he felt sorry for the radio personalities, who had to just keep talking until they had certain information.

We got home just as the announcers stated that the marching band was entering St. Peter's Square. I refused to get out of the car until I'd started up the satellite-radio app on my iPhone. I didn't want to miss a moment.

I was frustrated to discover that there was a 5-minute delay between the radio broadcast and the online version, but I set my phone next to me on the desk and listened as I headed to YouTube on my computer for the Vatican TV live feed. I started Twitter on the iPad.

I didn't even bother with the regular TV. For the last conclave, that's all I had. But this was amazing--using various media to receive information in real time (or as close as an online app for satellite radio could get.)

Then I watched the clock. It was getting close to 3, dismissal time for Little Brother's school. I was sure that they'd be watching in class, and didn't want him to miss "the Big Reveal" while he was on the school bus.

Pope Francis reached the balcony at about 3:15. We barely had time to digest the news and try to find out a little more about him when Little Brother exploded through the front door, yelling, "We have a new pope, and his name is Francis!"

"How did you know? They didn't announce his name until after you were on the bus!"

"Somebody on the bus has an iPhone and we were all watching it on the 3G."

This is probably the best use of an iPhone on a school bus EVER.

5 comments:

Bean said...

We watched too, it was so exciting, and I am so excited about our new Pope!! WOW!! Pope Francis I, I knew the moment I heard the chosen name that our new Pope is going to do GREAT things.

WOW!!!!

Bean

Ellen said...

I was sitting in the hairdresser's with my mother who was getting a haircut when the white smoke rose. The staff graciously turned up the volume. Once her haircut was done, we hoofed it home to watch it there. So excited for the new Pope.

Kerri said...

Hi, Barb! Just popping over to let you know that I enjoy following your blog and have nominated you for a Liebster Award. Hope you'll accept! All the details are over on this post at my blog.

Jeanne said...

That's amazing...and more so, because your young son was excited to relay the news to mom! I was on Facebook sharing the chatter with my Catholic friends, then running downstairs to the TV set, then back up. Social media and the internet really do connect us in ways undreamed of.

yofed said...

I haven't read your blog in ages, but as soon as I heard the name Francis, I thought of you! :)