Today as I depart to the Amazon — a lifelong dream of mine — I am greeted with extraordinary headlines from the new pontiff’s trip to Brazil. Pope Francis’ astonishing statements to Brazilians are bold and promising and, I hope, consequential.
Brazilians are paying attention — live coverage is broadcast on the nation’s televisions and locals dutifully switch back and forth between soccer matches.
I hope the world is listening too. While these are just words, Pope Francis seems to be a man of action. I’m beginning to like this guy…
Pope Francis to Business and Political Elites: Stop Pillaging The Earth
I would like to invite everyone to reflect on what Aparecida said about the Amazon Basin, its forceful appeal for respect and protection of the entire creation which God has entrusted to man, not so that it can be indiscriminately exploited, but rather made into a garden.
Pope Francis to Youth: Fight Against Corruption
Do not grow accustomed to evil, but defeat it. Do not lose trust, do not allow your hope to be extinguished, do not grow disillusioned with news of corruption.
Pope Francis to Bishops: Get Out Of Your Churches
We cannot keep ourselves shut up in parishes, in our communities. Let us courageously look to pastoral needs, beginning on the periphery (of where we live), with those who are farthest away.
I most certainly like and respect this warm and wise new Pontiff. He almost makes me want to go back to Sunday school! He truly seems to be a man of the people and I have great hope that Pope Francis will be a positive guiding light for a new generation.
Hey Paul, my sentiments exactly! It’s interesting to be here in Brazil when this historic visit occurred, the coverage has been non-stop and I’ve enjoyed the sideshow of all the faux pas happening on the sideline. But I’m encouraged by the Pope’s words and am looking forward to the reaction by the establishment in Rome! I’m sure some slippers are being flipped at this moment!!!
xoxo
I applaud Augustus. The Emperor has indeed stepped in the right direction. Not far enough, but these things take patience. The Romans have always adopted names upon ascension to the throne. I am hopeful Francis is his heart. But even if it is a case of evolving or dying. So be it.
The only Ancient Roman Emperor not linked in any way to relations with men was Claudius. I am reading about Hadrianus. His love for a man named Antinous is legend. It strikes to the heart anyone who has loved and lost (Besides David St. Hubbins and Nigel Tufnell of Spinal Tap).
Hi Erik, you’re correct to make the Roman Empire analogy, the Catholic Church and the Papacy are the direct descendents of Ancient Rome and still thriving today! So weird that one man still has so much power… all while wearing a dress!
I always love your commentary, thanks for reading and commenting!
I too appreciate his appreciate his fresh words. The Curia (conservative, ruling Vatican Italian Cardinals) must have their knickers in a bunch over this new guy. That’s good. Their corrupt practices may not go on for much longer.
As for his 82-minute free form interview with the Press, I’m disappointed that the only coverage here in the U.S. and BBC media was about ordaining nuns and respecting gays. What ELSE did they talk about during that long interview?
Good for Papa Francis — his name sake from Assisi is a substantial model for a life well lived.
Mom/Susan
Hi Mom, well said… you’ve seen so many ups and downs with the Catholic Church over the decades, I sincerely hope Pope Francis is able to “shake things up” and move the Church forward. It’s too early to tell, but I am hopeful!
Miss you xoxo