Previous “From The Vaults” articles. See larger images from the issue
Who will be the new pope?
As the world mourns Pope Paul VI, who died on August 5 at the age of 80, the cardinals prepare to elect his successor. Among the favourites are Italian Cardinals Benelli, Felici, Pignedoli, Baggio and Pirinio. Outside Italy, König of Austria, Willebrands of the Netherlands, and Hume of England are mentioned. African possibilities are Gantin of Benin and Zoungrana of Upper Volta [now Burkina Faso]. Not mentioned: Luciani of Venice or Wojtyla of Poland.
Tribute from detention cell
Among the many tributes to Pope Paul VI, there was a poignant one from detention in an apartheid jail by Young Christian Students activist Joyce Mokhesi, who in a message wrote that Pope Paul’s “concern was human life, his perseverance a sight to the people”.
New Bloemfontein archbishop
About 8000 people witnessed the installation of Archbishop Peter Butelezi as metropolitan of Bloemfontein. Among the honoured guests gathered at Christian Brothers’ College was the archbishop’s mother, Christine. Archbishop Butelezi had previously been bishop of Umtata [now Mthatha] and auxiliary in Johannesburg.
Editorial: Paul VI, the teacher
In his editorial, Mgr Donald de Beer notes that above all Pope Paul VI “knew how to teach: gently, patiently, persuasively, yet clearly; with fidelity to the while of apostolic tradition, yet in a way that bridged a gap between revealed truth and contemporary thought”.
Previous “From The Vaults” articles at www.scross.co.za/vaults
- Mass Readings: 10 May – 17 May, 2026 - May 5, 2026
- A Change of Culture Needed: IMBISA Workshop on Disability - May 4, 2026
- A New Name, a Continued Mission: St Joseph’s Children’s Hospital - May 4, 2026
