A new Pope has been announced with the release of white smoke. But I think we should take some time to appreciate how technology made this Papal selection different from any other. While voting machines were not an issue, technology added subtle nuance to the unfolding of events.
For example, secrecy of the Cardinal gathering was an issue for the first time ever. High tech gadgets threatened the security of the meetings.
Camera’s technically weren’t allowed while the late Pope’s body was on display, but pictures were taken with cell phones, and I believe nobody went out of their way to scold picture takers.
Also interesting was watching the release of the smoke. A traditional as old as the Popehood itself was broadcast on the Internet nonstop through MSNBC’s Papal Smoke Cam. All things must change, and even old rigid institutions like the Church have to adapt to new times.
