He doesn't want to live in the Apostolic Palace.
That may be partly true. More importantly, he wants to live as he did in Buenos Aires, and he doesn't want to be isolated. He likes to be with ordinary people.
He explained his choice in a letter written two weeks ago to an old friend, Father Enrique Martinez, a priest at the Church of the Annunciation in La Rioja.
"I didn't want to go and live in the apostolic palace. I go over there just to work and for audiences.
"I've remained living in the Casa Santa Marta, which is a residence which accommodates bishops, priests and lay people." There he feels "part of a family" he wrote in the letter, which was obtained by Clarin, an Argentinian daily.
"I'm visible to people and I lead a normal life – a public Mass in the morning, I eat in the refectory with everyone else, et cetera. All this is good for me and prevents me from being isolated.
"I'm trying to stay the same and to act as I did in Buenos Aires because if you change at my age you just look ridiculous." The Pope, the first Jesuit pontiff in history and the first to come from the Americas, said his election was "something totally surprising" which he considers "a gift from God". - Telegraph
I like that.
As for other bishops, especially brand-new ones like Bishop Michael Barber of Oakland, maybe follow the rubrics and stick to protocol on your first assignment.
Or not.
Just what I needed to read today! Canada's most notorious abortionist died today and the liberal news is canonizing him. I am off TV for the next few weeks. Reading about Pope Francis reminds me the Holy Spirit is still in charge and the meek shall inherit the earth. Thanks for this, Terry.
ReplyDeleteThe only challenge I have on a regular basis is that when Pope Francis's desire to "keep it natch" (that is a quote from a 14 year old I know) by not living in the Apostolic Palace, by wearing black brogues, and only sporting a silver cross, I am then expected by every "religious expert" I come across to explain why every other Pope who didn't "keep it natch" like Francis WASN'T a materialistic, narcissistic, power hungry, jackhole.
ReplyDeleteI love museums, but I wouldn't want to live in one.
ReplyDeleteI think Jesus the Lord would love and be happy about what our Pope has done.
ReplyDeleteif only some of our Bishops and cardinals and....Priests and the rest of us did like our Pope, it would be wonderful and edify the world and the people all over the world.
To sound like a 14 year old myself, Pope Francis is the coolest Pope in a long time. I think his compassion, gentleness and yes, "keeping it natch," will bring many people back. He truly is not a "do as I say, not as I do," kind of guy!
ReplyDelete