THE NEW POPE

 

I am sure that everyone in the world was surprised that the Papal Conclave would elect someone that was born in the USA. There was a wise fear that this could be too much American control and influence  over the world. 

 

Now we have Pope Leo XIV! Everyone asks: ‘And what do you think of the new pope?”

 

I hope that this papacy continues to challenge and move the world, Christianity and the Catholic Church  (count how the issues are ranked here) to a more compassionate concern for the poor of this world. 

 

A very wise mystic, Mister Eckert, asked so many centuries about on the feast of Christmas: What does it matter that the Son of God was born among us, if he is  not born in each one of us?

 

What does it matter to have a well-organized church, i.e, clear doctrines, a well worked Canon Law and a supportive financial system if we do not have the practice of charity? 

 

The name that a pope chooses for his papacy speaks of the tone, the thrust of this leadership. By choosing the name Leo he is underlying that Pope Leo XIII, in 1891, laid the foundation for the social justice teaching of the church with the encyclical “Rerum Novarum” (i.e. new things) in which he made clear the rights of workers to a liveable wage, safety and protection under the law. This was in the upheaval that the industrial revolution was producing and it was a clear call for justice towards the workers in the factories, shipyards and iron foundries. 

 

May this Pope Leo point the world in the direction of concern for the thousands of displaced people due to war and economic upheavals. May this papacy keep us alert and uncomfortable about the suffering of the poor of this world. 

 

In Canada we have difficulty imaging the turmoil and distress that any form of war can have on the lives of people. May humanity always be challenged by the pope and church leadership to work toward peace and justice in the war zones of the world. 

 

I am strongly uplifted by my fellow Christians who support and help the refugees of war-torn zones to resettle in our country and begin a safe life in Canada. The support and help that these new refugees are given by my fellow Christians strengthens my belief in Christianity. 

 

I hope that the new pope continues to give direction to the top 20 percent of the world who are the affluent and economically blest, to share the wealth and success of their production and well organized economies. How wonderful it is to see my fellow Christians bring food that will be shared through the food bank. 

 

May Pope Leo be a beacon of light to lead us to turn more to the poor of this world; especially the poor within our own countries. Even if many Christians are uncomfortable with the direction that the new pope will take, may he move our hearts closer to the poor of this world.