Regarding the election of His Holiness, Benedict XVI

Regarding the election, I have only four things to say, and most have them have been said in other postings:

Todd's, because it is the kindest and most charitable expression of sour grapes that I have ever seen.

Edward's, as it is a fair assessment of what I think and feel. You go, guy!

And the Pontificator's, as it is the proper response of all of good will.

In fact, it is so good that I will repeat it verbatim:

We praise thee, O God:
we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord.
All the earth doth worship Thee, the Father everlasting.
To Thee all Angels cry aloud: the Heavens and all the powers therein.
To Thee Cherubim and Seraphim continually do cry,
Holy, Holy, Holy: Lord God of Sabaoth;
Heaven and earth are full of the Majesty of Thy Glory.
The glorious company of the Apostles praise Thee.
The godly fellowship of the Prophets praise Thee.
The noble army of Martyrs praise Thee.
The holy Church throughout all the world doth acknowledge Thee;
The Father of an infinite Majesty;
Thine honourable, true, and only Son;
Also the Holy Ghost: the Comforter.
Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ.
Thou art the everlasting Son of the Father.
When Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man:
Thou didst not abhor the Virgin's womb.
When Thou hadst overcome the sting of death,
Thou didst open the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.
Thou sittest at the right hand of God
in the glory of the Father.
We believe that Thou shalt come to be our Judge.
We therefore pray Thee,
help Thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy precious blood.
Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in glory everlasting.
O Lord, save Thy people:
and bless Thine heritage.
Govern them and lift them up for ever.
Day by day we magnify Thee;
and we worship Thy Name,
ever world without end.
Vouchsafe, O Lord, to keep us this day without sin.
O Lord, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, let Thy mercy lighten upon us:
as our trust is in Thee.
O Lord, in Thee have I trusted:
let me never be confounded.

Finally, in my own words: This is the finest birthday present I have ever received, other than, of course, the daily love of my wife, Elizabeth.