In the second and third parts of the trilogy, focus is shifted to that more serious side of the Pontiff, especially to those aspects highlighted by Francis, himself, in his foundational work, “The Joy of the Gospel”, in which he discloses his thoughts on many matters concerning today’s world, the Church and how these can, and should, relate to one another.  It was written for the ‘New City ‘ magazine by a great friend, Father Frank Johnson, who many will recall was ordained at Leyland St. Mary’s some six years ago.  I very much hope and trust you will enjoy reading what follows over the next three weeks, and may God bless.

Father Jonathan

Father Jonathan, in his weekly blogs, has often written about Pope Francis and about what a new ‘breath of life’ he is breathing into the Catholic Church – and not just into the church –but into our world of today.  Father has, on more than one occasion, drawn our attention to the ordinariness, modesty and humility of Francis, who has been our Pope for rather less than a year.  What an impact he has had – and in a very short time.

Quite naturally, Father Jonathan has also dwelt on the religious aspects of his personality and the effect these are having on the populations of the world – two populations – one Catholic, the other quite divorced from Catholicity and very much belonging to the non-religious echelons of world society, and here Father has drawn attention to the quite mind-boggling effect Francis is having in terms of his evangelising – bringing a ‘new’ Christ to all of those prepared to accept Him.

Pope Francis – with Gesture – and Beaming Smile

Certainly, in my view, it would be well nigh impossible to compare Pope Francis with any previous pope – though it may be right to draw attention to the fact that many of his predecessors have brought great and powerful new ideas to the Church’s message to the world; it is, however, right and just to point out their messages were very much in keeping with past traditions, though they may have been breaking new ground.  The slight, grey haired man from Argentina, once known to South America, as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, however, has torn up all the many hide-bound ‘do’s and don’ts’ and scattered them to the four winds – and it has not taken him very long to achieve this – bringing with his achievement a complete new idiom.

In a newspaper article, published in the Daily Mail, 26 December 2013, Guy Adams, wrote a very interesting couple of pages on the subject of Pope Francis, and, having read the whole of the article, I have to say that I was quite surprised by many of the changes to the papacy that Francis has introduced – as I see it a new wind blowing through the Vatican – and a winnowing wind of change, at that. 

Guy Adams sub-headline reads – and I quote:

“He lives in a ‘B and B’, uses a second-hand Ford Focus and even makes his guards sandwiches. Yet many believe Francis could be the greatest Pope ever – the man who’s taught the world the meaning of humility.”   

Seemingly, Pope Francis is not averse to using ‘Twitter’ on the ‘Net’ and on Christmas Day just a few weeks ago, he tweeted: “Christ comes among us at Christmas.”   His messages are read, daily, by Presidents Obama, Putin, David Cameron and many other world leaders.  Weekly, he draws massive crowds – into the 100,000′s – to St. Peter’s Square to his ‘Angelus’ meetings and to listen to his addresses, charismatic speeches, many times illustrated by colourful public gestures which undoubtedly belong to him, alone.  He seems to shun any suggestion of ostentation and shies away from pomp and ceremony, preferring instead to do things in a much more simple fashion – and this even in his public duties at the Vatican.

  Pope Francis kisses the feet of a disabled young person

On Maundy Thursday, he knelt to wash and kiss the feet of young offenders – girls – one of them a Muslim.  In July, 2013, he invited many of the homeless to dine with him in St. Peter’s Square.  He has been known to put on a ‘red nose’ posing for comic photos with a newly-wed couple.  He has been observed to publicly embrace a man suffering from the ‘Elephant Man’s’ disease.  He lives in a small, sparsely-furnished apartment, sleeps in a single room, has breakfast in the canteen, together with other guests, pays his own bills, carries his own gear about, refuses to wear the traditional garments of a pontiff – hand stitched, in white, gold and red; instead he wears a simple white cassock, makes his own phone calls, uses public transport, and likes to be seen out and about as an ‘ordinary man.  What an extraordinary man he is – what a pope!

 Pope Francis joins in the fun at a wedding

The effect of all this – Pope Francis and his total change of style – has been electrifying on the world’s media.  And don’t they just love him!  He makes headlines and sells newsprint.  He is often on television – all over the world – and again, making the headline news.  The press – Catholic and non-Catholic – just can’t get over the differences he has brought – and in such a short time.

On my part, I am sure that much of this is just his humble persona coming through, and he seems to have no difficulty at all in relating directly to the people, over every nation and faith.  But, I am also sure, that there is another much more serious side to all of this – and this has to do with God and his loving provenance.  With no previous tradition to guide him, Pope Benedict XVI decides to retire from the papacy, perhaps understandably with advancing years, but without precedent, and this brings the first massive shock to Catholics and the world.  The second shock comes with the election of Pope Francis, in March of last year, and what a shock this has proved to be – to all of us – but, not to God. 

At this point one is forced to ask the question – “Why the complete change?” and all of this without decrying Pope Benedict, and the many pious and holy men holding this highest office, by even one iota.  Perhaps, God perceived the need to bring the papacy more into line with modern thinking, modern methods, modern ideas, but without losing any of the Church’s tradition, in terms of faith and morals.  We do not know God’s mind and so do not know the answers to some of these questions – only time will tell.

And, as I said earlier in the blog, there is another side to Francis that is making a massive difference – though not perhaps the headlines, two inches high in the world’s press.  I refer to his ability to communicate and to evangelise – to get the message of Christ across to those who most need it.  He is already proving himself to be a great friend of the poor and the disadvantaged – constantly urging the nations of the world to do something about this very grave problem – and I am sure that the message is beginning to get through.  People – decision-makers – are beginning to take notice and to act.   As always, his message is very simple, and it surely is just as Jesus, Lord of All, would ‘call it’.  I am with you – now – always – follow me, and I will lead you to God, Our Father. “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life!”

Thank God for Pope Francis.

 Socius