Prayers for the new Pope.

The New St. Francis

“I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, [God] can work though anyone.”                       St. Francis of Assisi

The world watched yesterday as the Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church presented the new Pope. It is a spectacle like none other. Not being Catholic, I have no right to comment, but the Pope is, after all, a world leader and not just Holy Papa of the 1.2 billion Catholics. We look to him to provide a compassionate, moral standard by which we can measure ourselves. John Paul was by far, the most “fatherly” of the Pope's of the last century, so it bodes well that Pope Francis was chosen by him. I thought he made a very good first impression. He seems humble, stable, capable, and not the least interested in taking on the ornate trappings of one at the top of the Catholic hierarchy.

To be like St. Francis in this day of bristling war machines and flagrant hatred, will not be easy. Francis was gentle and kind to animals, and to human beings. He saw his role as one of provider, caregiver; he lead from beside his flock, not out front or above. From the news reports yesterday, it seems the new Pope is, by nature, that kind of man. He lived simply, cooked his own meals, traveled by foot or on public transportation, and focused his ministry among the poor and the forgotten. Somehow, I don't expect him to change that focus, and perhaps he will lead the church away from pomp and circumstance toward care and compassion.

Like the rest of the world, I found myself praying for the new Pope. We all have hope that a leader will emerge who can show us the way out of the darkness that grips the world right now. I had word just yesterday that yet another young man, best friend of my cousin, Troy, has died of his wounds in the Afghan war. Another family heartbroken, another unnecessary loss. Whether American or Afghan or Iraqi, Italian or Portuguese, Irish or Russian or Syrian, we must, as a species, learn to settle our differences without bloodshed. Perhaps the new Pope can show us the way. That is our hope, isn't it?

In the words of St. Francis, “Lord, make him an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let him sow love...” Let us all pray that Pope Francis will stay in touch with the people, and will represent them all the days of his life. I wish him well, and will pray for his success.

                                               In the spirit,

                                                 Jane