In my Ponderings for December 2020, I reflect on the three most recent popes, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis, by interweaving comment, poetry, and autobiography. The article was published originally on Covenant, the weblog of The Living Church, on 8 Dec 2020, and is republished here with permission and thanks.

Graham Kings, Bishop of Sherborne, was commissioned by The Guardian, to write on the surprise annoucement from Pope Benedict of an 'Anglican Ordinariate' for Anglican Catholics who were against the ordination of women to the priesthood. The subeditor of The Guardian wrote the fine title.