There were two Catholic boys, Timothy Murphy and Antonio Secola, whose
lives paralleled each other in amazing ways. On the same day, month and
year Timothy was born in Ireland, Antonio was born in Italy.
Faithfully, they attended their respective parochial schools from
kindergarten through their Senior years in high school. They took their
vows to enter the priesthood early in their college days, and upon
graduation became priests.
Their careers had come to amaze the world, but it was generally
acknowledged that Antonio was just a cut above Timothy in all respects.
Their rise through the ranks of Bishop, Archbishop and finally Cardinal
was meteoric to say the least, and the Catholic world knew that when the
present Pope died, it would be either Timothy or Antonio who would become
the next Pope.
In time the Pope did die, and the College of Cardinals went to work. In less
time than anyone had expected, white smoke rose from the chimney, and the
world waited to see who they had chosen. The world, Catholic, Protestant and
secular was surprised to learn that Timothy Murphy had been elected Pope!
Antonio was beyond surprise, he was devastated, because even with all
Timothy's gifts, Antonio knew he was the better qualified. With gall that
shocked the Cardinals, Antonio asked for a private session with
them in which he candidly asked, "Why Timothy"?
After a long silence, one old Cardinal took pity on the bewildered Antonio
and rose to reply, "We knew you were the better of the two, but we just could
not bear the thought of the leader of the Roman Catholic Church being
called............
Are you ready for this??...........
Pope Secola.
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