We're continuing our conversation with monsignor bill Gallagher this morning -- retired buffalo area priest who's on the WB in lifeline providing some insight into the papal conclave. Monsignor wind -- before you became a priest you served in Rome in the armed forces does this bring -- special memories for you have you been in the Sistine Chapel. I guess they have -- I didn't sure there I was in Germany and actually just visited but. We've -- we had first crush tour from a liver condition of the potential over and got us the best food and all that good stuff. My junior bill. Do you share the opinion that Benedict. Did not do a good job as -- may be a better way of asking. This question might be Benedict was an older man and maybe he lacked the communications skills necessary in today's world. Actually I think it a terrific job because he was coming in on the heels of John Paul the second who show. Flamboyant and out there and and involved. And I think we needed dish these few years of more peaceful approach to the world so I think. And he gave us a great example of where and when you can't do it any longer. You know stepped back into private places which is -- not challenged all of us try I admired greatly. You know Pope John Paul -- had. An incredible following -- the younger people Benedict seemed to lack that. Well yes it is no question that that he didn't relate to young people as much. I'm not sure how much those are great gatherings of young people which I'm told the second survive beyond the moment. We didn't see any. -- -- -- Charge into local churches for instance. So I think they were they would they were that would start of the Catholic Church but an associate they translated very sure initially into the real life in the church. Soon do you expect a decision from the the cardinals and keeping in mind that Benedict was elected. On the second day eight years ago. And to John politics but -- treat Asia I actually Specter going to be and so the long run measurement because there doesn't seem to be any. Real real front runner. That could be -- -- I think it's gonna take a little bit longer I could be wrong and then decide. Cardinal Dolan mix a growing and put every church. In fact he doesn't make it clear that retired. Okay there are 115. Cardinals in the conclave but -- do you do you suspect though. That just a select few. Have the chance of being elected and those few who are known to the conclave. Well -- suspect that each of the cardinals -- own. Israel and then there's and the think frankly this -- heavily European nation about sixty of those selectors. Almost half -- from Europe so I I suspect that's going to be huge influence in the church. Know from you if you can't a monsignor how relevant. Is the Pope today on the world stage. Well there's a symbolic figure. I don't think that the rover and the Korea and all of adage is that important and local church quite frankly and we're looking for more hour. The local congregations of bishops in their own geographical barriers to. Assume once again. Their prerogatives which of the national -- over the years -- we're looking for more. Local but as a as a as a figure head the propositions -- very important because it ties all the rest of the together. When we chatted earlier this are you mentioned that the church is all about tradition. And tradition is embraced but you also served that people like you. Are looking for change do other pre -- here on the diocese and share your feelings do you think. I think we're gonna do well we are certainly our church or tradition dot. It's those traditions that were trying to make sensible. Two of this world. So that's our real this to maybe change the way we're doing things. So that. We can make. Credit score -- available to -- weren't. A lot of things to tie it up and tradition in the in the tradition becomes more important in and questioned shots. But will be watching and waiting and we're so glad you could join us -- senior thank -- It's a senior bill Gallagher retired buffalo area priest with us on the WB and live line.
