As the College of Cardinals begins to select the next Pope you hear the following said on almost all cable and network television coverage: the cardinals want to make the choice quickly to avoid an image problem. This is one of the most ridiculous media inventions ever uttered on what has often been called the boob tube. Choosing a Pope involves the selection of a man who will have the authority to offer doctrine that is deemed by the Church infallible.  This is a decision for the ages, not a decision for the next news cycle. Think about it: What is important in the eyes of the cardinals is that they make the right choice.  It does not matter to them whether the choice is made next Wednesday or a week from next Friday. The “image” of the Church will be decided by whom they choose, not when they choose, and what their choice does, not what the commentariat class says.

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