“I believe the excitement around your visit,
Holy Father, must be attributed not only to your role as Pope but to your
unique qualities as a person, in your humility, your embrace of simplicity, in
the gentleness of your words, in the generosity of your spirit. We see a living
example of Jesus’ teachings – a leader whose moral authority comes not just through
words but also through deeds.”
(An excerpt: President
Obama’s Welcome Address to Pope Francis, September 23, 2015)
Pope Francis’ Mother wanted him to become a doctor, so
she bought him medical books. However, when she learned he was reading books on
theology instead, he told her he was learning how to heal souls. What a gift this special man is to the world!
While speaking to the Joint Session of Congress, Pope
Francis noted the image of Moses on the wall and reminded everyone to keep alive their sense of unity by means of
just legislation and of the transcendent
dignity of the human being.
Pope Francis then broadened his reach by speaking to the
United Nations General Assembly where he expressed: reform and adaptation to the times is always necessary in the pursuit
of the ultimate goal of granting all countries, without exception, a share in,
and a genuine and equitable influence on, decision-making processes.
Throughout his visit, he repeatedly stressed the
importance of acknowledging that we are human beings deserving of respect and
dignity - everyone - and as an
extension, our planet, without which we
cannot survive. He called upon everyone and asked that there be: no apathy, no stagnancy and no numbness.
He spoke often of inclusiveness and compassion - not superiority.
With regard to the violence in the world today, he
reminded us: We know that in the attempt
to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within.
To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to
take their place. He understands human nature – not only the good and the
evil that exists but the marginalization and polarization that is present.
I don’t know how he kept up with the pace of his journey.
Each day, he went nonstop from morning until evening, speaking, touching souls
and acknowledging throngs of people. He lunched with homeless people and comforted
prisoners by reminding them: [Jesus]
doesn’t ask us where we have been, he doesn’t question us about what we have
done…Jesus comes to meet us, so that He can restore our dignity as children of
God. He wants to help us to set out again, to resume our journey, to recover
our hope, to restore our faith and trust. He wants us to keep walking along the
paths of life, to realize we have a mission, and that confinement is not the
same thing as exclusion.
Finally, he asked that we move forward with dignity together, as one, in a renewed spirit of
fraternity and solidarity, cooperating generously for the common good.
Thank you, Pope Francis, for your energy and
your inspiration!
I ask God’s blessings upon you and pray you
come back soon!
