As a Catholic I am encouraged by the election of the new pope, Jorge Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina. As Francis I, the new pope will set a number of helpful precedents, and has many admirable characteristics to bring to the leadership of the world's largest religious organization.
The first non-European pope since the year 741 sends a positive signal that the cardinals wanted to branch out into the world. Latin America has more Catholics (39-40% of the total) than any other region. He is also a Jesuit, an order renowned for its education, poverty, and service to the needy. Jesuits are taught to question everything, and the new pontiff has a degree in and has taught Chemistry in addition to Divinity. He speaks several languages. His very selection of the name Francis--the first to do so--recalls the marvelous thirteenth century saint known for his gentle spirituality, love for animals, and care for the poor and sick.
The new pope is known as a prelate who shuns ostentation and the trappings of office. Rather than live in the archbishop's palace, he stayed in a simple flat, cooked his own food and often rode the bus or bicycled to work. He spent a great deal of time out and about in the poorer neighborhoods providing relief and advocating for their needs.
His appearance at St. Peter's was a winning one, eschewing elaborate trappings and vestments and wearing a simple wooden cross, he first asked the assembled throng and the millions watching on television to pray for him. Then he led the faithful through three simple prayers that every Catholic child could recite with him: the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. He came across as understated, warm and compassionate, exuding an easy charm in communicating with the crowd.
There is, unfortunately, small likelihood of doctrinal changes in matters such as the role of women in the church or contraception. Even so, the installation of a lifelong pastoral minister to the poor rather than a theologian or Vatican bureaucrat should be a plus for the church's ministry and credibility in these times. He invited his fellow believers to join him on "a journey of friendship, love, trust and faith," and in concluding his remarks promised, "I'll see you again soon." I wish him well and hope for the best
1 comment:
Hopefully, he will be in good health for many years. I was concerned when I found out he was 76 years old, but I'm pretty sure I understand why he was chosen. His Italian heritage probably helped immensely in wooing the Italian bloc of cardinal voters, although we'll never know for sure.
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