In a recent interview on the buildup to the Papal Conclave, Bishop Robert Barron summed up his thoughts on what are the essential qualities needed in a Pope: That he is good at proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  While pundits, both inside and outside of the church have been talking about liturgical tendencies, social opinions, political affinities and alliances of camps, we have been reminded that these are the ways that the world looks at leadership and tries to figure out who is electable; who will be the leader that we need.

But the Seat of St. Peter is different.  We were given a different model of leadership and the disciples, when they were arguing over who would sit at the right and left of the Lord when He came into His Glory, were told very bluntly not to seek power and leadership as the world seeks it.  Rather, according to the model that Christ gave to us: Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.

Jesus handed the keys to St. Peter not because of any great act according to man or according to any particular accomplishment.  Rather, because Peter proclaimed Him to be the Son of God, and for this He told Him: Feed my sheep.

The Pope is a leader unlike any other leader in the world and even this title is one that the world wants to give to the successor of Peter.  He is raised in order to be the Vicar of Christ.  The Pope’s primary job is not to be a theologian, but to be a Shepherd.  He is not elected to steer the course of the Church, but to protect the Deposit of Faith, to be a Steward of Her mysteries and preserve Her in a world that is hostile and always trying to make us in the world’s image.  He is to love us as Christ loved us.

This Sunday’s Gospel begins by Jesus saying to the Pharisees, “My sheep hear my voice . . . and they follow me.”  As we are surrounded by a cacophony of worldly voices, telling us what we are supposed to look for in a Pope and from our Shepherds, remember to search for the voice of the Lord.  Know the one whom you follow.  Seek to recognize His voice.  

You will hear many different Ideas and promises.  This is what the Pharisees themselves got caught up in.  Our Lord warns them many times that they had gotten caught up in the wisdom of the world.  It is not only about the selection of a leader, but in every way of acting and living in virtue and mercy.

Fight through the noise and the loudness of so many voices that would lead us away and trust in the words of the Good Shepherd.  It is a fight at times, and much of it will sound like wisdom.  But always remember the voice of the one who speaks and don’t let yourself be carried away.