Third Sunday of Advent

This time of the year is often an opportunity to look back at the previous 12 months at the major news stories and what and who will be the abiding memories of 2013.

For many people it is in fact Pope Francis.

It is amazing to think that the historic resignation of Pope Benedict seems a distant event now. The eyes of the world were glued on that last helicopter ride form the Vatican to Castelgondolfo and the closing of the doors by the Swiss Guard and the declaration of sede vacante.

Yet Pope Francis election electrified the world. The traditional conclave still arouses the curiosity of even irreligious people as go the possible intrigue and secret goings on allegedly to elect a new Pope.

Pope Francis has amazed and moved us by his gestures and his words. He has taken to the new technology and his words are discussed passionately.

But what  does it all mean? Only time will tell