People -- Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox -- this is a beautiful day. And take note, because it's also historical to the nth degree! (If you missed the grand moment, you can still watch the whole thing here.)
For anyone out there who doesn't know, this is only the second time in all of Church history that the previous Pope has been alive to watch his successor make an appearance. Earlier this year, right around the start of Lent, Benedict became the only other Pope in history to step down and retire before his death, saying that his decision was the fruit of serious prayer and the Holy Spirit's guidance. He believed it was time for the leadership of the Catholic Church to be put in the hands of another man, and for him to take his place fighting for the Church in private prayer. No doubt his prayers have already covered the proceedings to elect a successor, and will continue to "storm heaven" for guidance and wisdom as Pope Francis takes his place as the Vicar of Christ, Shepherd of the Catholic Church. And it appears the Holy Spirit is listening, because this looks like a very holy man indeed.
But as if that wasn't enough, there's more. For the FIRST time in history, we have a Pope that comes from South America (Argentina, folks!), and guess what name he took? Francis. In case the meaning of that name doesn't strike you, Francis is a well-beloved medieval saint known for his generosity and humility, as well as his faithfulness to God. In fact, the order of Franciscans, known for their generosity and humility, was founded by him and continues to this day. No other Pope in history has taken that name. And by the way, this Pope is a Jesuit, not a Franciscan. The first Jesuit Pope ever takes on the name of Francis -- that's a mark of humility if I ever saw one.
From what I hear, this man is strong, godly, compassionate, and humble -- and he's a reformer, too. Though he stands for traditional Catholic values, he has been known to visit AIDS hospitals to wash the feet of the victims there, so his strength is only rivaled by his love and kindness. And -- get this -- he cooks his own meals, and he rides the bus. He is a people's man, with deep concern for the poor and disadvantaged.
But here's where I cried. And it's not always easy to get to me like this.
Traditionally, the first thing the new Pope does after greeting everyone is to give his first blessing to all the faithful who are watching and to the whole world. And Pope Francis most certainly did that. But do you know what he did before? In his own words:
"Now I would like to impart the blessing, but first, first I ask a favor of you. Before the bishop blesses the people, I ask that you pray to the Lord that He bless me: the prayer of the people asking a blessing for their bishop. Let us pray in silence, this your prayer for me."
That is what he asked the masses of people that now look up to him as spiritual father. And as silence fell across St. Peter's Square, he bowed for the people's prayers over him.
To be sure, this man is not perfect, because he is a man. Peter, too, was a man. There never has been, and never will be, a perfect Pope. But he is, it seems, a man after God's own heart, a man of humility, and a man of integrity. He has been gifted with knowledge, but even more importantly with wisdom. If the Holy Spirit has guided these elections, we can also have faith to believe He will guide this man in his role of shepherd and leader to millions.
Let us all, Catholic or not, take note and watch what God does through this man as he assumes a great responsibility in his old age. Even Protestants must think before dismissing this as "just Catholic business" -- because God has chosen to work powerfully in the Catholic Church. You don't have to believe in Papal infallibility to believe that this man is now standing as the spiritual father of millions of Christians, yes -- even as the Vicar (Representative) of Christ to the world. There is no question in my mind that this is a very great ministry of the Holy Spirit, despite and even through human weakness.
I believe God has already anointed and blessed this man, but together let us pray for His continued anointing and guidance as, in his old age, Pope Francis accepts the role of Pastor to many people around the world. May the Lord's will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Amen.
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