I may not be Catholic or Christian, but I was really happy about the election of the new Pope. I liked the fact that he chose the name Francis.
Scott Pelley, newcaster for CBS said it was probably a happy omen when they all saw seagulls perching on the chimney that would signify with black or white smoke whether a new pope had been chosen. St. Francis is often shown with birds. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
What I've heard of the new Pope is that he is compassionate and respectful of other religions. He is humble, travels by public transportation, ministers to AIDs victims and seems to be a reformer. What I don't agree with is his adherence against gay marriages, and abortion. I wish the church would end the celibacy rules for its priests though. Still, I'm liking him for now. And wow! He's from South America which is different from all the other popes who were from Europe.
I'm wishing Pope Francis a successful, peaceful reign. He has so much on his plate to deal with. The church is wracked with scandal and so much corruption and misery. Pope Francis sounds like a good candidate to reform what needs to be corrected.
It is truly a time to celebrate with all our Catholic readers.
Scott Pelley, newcaster for CBS said it was probably a happy omen when they all saw seagulls perching on the chimney that would signify with black or white smoke whether a new pope had been chosen. St. Francis is often shown with birds. He is the patron saint of animals and the environment.
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| Photo was taken with my iPad of the evening news on TV |
What I've heard of the new Pope is that he is compassionate and respectful of other religions. He is humble, travels by public transportation, ministers to AIDs victims and seems to be a reformer. What I don't agree with is his adherence against gay marriages, and abortion. I wish the church would end the celibacy rules for its priests though. Still, I'm liking him for now. And wow! He's from South America which is different from all the other popes who were from Europe.
I'm wishing Pope Francis a successful, peaceful reign. He has so much on his plate to deal with. The church is wracked with scandal and so much corruption and misery. Pope Francis sounds like a good candidate to reform what needs to be corrected.
It is truly a time to celebrate with all our Catholic readers.
Peace
ReplyDeleteI too was impressed with this humble man. He has such a difficult job ahead of him.
ReplyDeleteI am not Catholic but do think they have a huge climb ahead of them to return to Christian doctrine and actions. Like countries the people are good and the leaders are tainted sometimes.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I know so far, he was a very good choice for the Cardinals to choose. What a hard life he has ahead of him now, though. No more riding public transportation. No more chance to cook his own meals. The fact that the first thing he did was ask all the people in the square to pray for him was very moving.
ReplyDeletePope /Francis certainly has a lot on his plate; he'll have to hit the ground running!
ReplyDeleteit will take some time before the Catholic church can come to terms with Gay marriage and abortion.
ReplyDeleteI hope he makes the right choices. Even though I'm not catholic nor Christian, he is the de-facto "leader" of over a billion catholics. That's a lot of influence.
ReplyDeleteI was impressed with his history and hope he does not become corrupted by all the trappings of his new position. I was hoping that some of that compassion would extend to the roles of women, a committment to rights that are not based on gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion. I don't suppose that is happening any time in my lifetime.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written.
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike!!
ReplyDeleteI agree and what huge challenges he faces....
ReplyDeleteYes, Kay. Am feeling the same vibes. Good luck Franky
ReplyDeleteAloha
He's against celibacy? You probably meant he advocates celibacy, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm not Catholic, but I've always loved the idea of St. Francis, birds and animals. And for the Catholic church, electing a pope from South America is huge progress. It is a huge, huge organization, and the wheels grind slowly, slowly. It will be a long time before the head of the Catholic church advocates abortion or gay marriage, I think, but I am hoping he will provide support for women's rights. Or maybe the next pope, or the one after that.
Interesting to hear your point of view, and that you watched him on TV. Your iPad takes super photos.
Hi to Art, and best wishes to your mom.
K
Yikes! Thank you so much, Kay! I'll correct this when I get back to my computer. I really appreciate your covering my back.
DeleteI agree, it was exciting for me, also a non-Christian, to watch history unfold live on TV last night. What a promising sign that he chose the name Francesco (I like the Italian original better than "Francis."). He is friendly and humble, with a sense of humor. People around the world need a Pope they can love.
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, I like the sound of Francesco better too.
DeleteI think the Catholic Church teaches that we should love gays and that its sex outside marriage that is wrong for anyone...evern. Its complicated, but like many things is often distorted in the media. I was ready to choke a reporter yesterday when he kept misproncing the Pope's former name.
ReplyDeleteI too love Frances. My Grandpa Frank was exactly like his namesake, a kind and gentle man, and a reformer.
Pope Francis is a Jesuit. Most folks don't know it but the Jesuits started what became the Reformation. Of course it devolved into the Inquisition in the church, which contrary to popular beliefs burned no one but was about giving a person a fair trial by doctors of the church. Secular authorities generally carried out executions, unless they were spontaneous happenings in villages and among the ignorant.
Much has been learned in recent years, now that the Vatican has opened up the archives in Rome. Dianne (who could talk all day on this subject)
That's Francis for boys and Frances for girls, I should know this by heart as Frances and Francis are family names (slaps forehead). Dianne
ReplyDeleteThis Pope certainly seems to be a step in the right direction for the Catholic Church but I'm not expecting a lot of change. Old habits are hard to break.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, but I so hope he will be able to take some positive action on those things left behind by Benedict. What a mess.
ReplyDeleteHe sealed the deal for me when he became Francis.
ReplyDeleteI guess he's as good a choice as any, but he's still an old man with old ideas about the place of women in this world, and about birth control and homosexuality.
ReplyDeleteI told my local Catholic friend, that the cardinals were able to make a decision so quickly, that they should all be sent to D.C. to solve some of the U.S. problems, since Congree is far slower. She told me that wouldn't work because so many of their clergy are still corrupt...DrumMajor
ReplyDeleteIt's so wonderful to see you back, DrumMajor. I missed you.
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