By Gerry Ellen
A breath of fresh air has swept over Vatican City.
A new sense of purpose and meaning of the highest order is occupying the artful and historically meticulous corners of Italy and the world. A man who chose his Catholic name based on St. Francis of Assisi, the humble servant to all human and animal life. A peaceful presence at heart, who sees the good in all beliefs and values in his duty to the entire religious system, and delved in deep to gain more of an understanding on how to take steps towards a complete overhaul of the Catholic church.
An icon in the making, dubbed “Man of the Year,” the first Latin American pontiff, a gracious human who is shattering old traditions in a way that is leaving a trail of stodgy and ancient cardinals in disbelief.
This is Pope Francis: A man for all seasons.
“We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods. The teaching of the church is clear, and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time.”
And then there was this:
“If someone is gay and is searching for the Lord and has good will, then who am I to judge him? … The problem is not having this tendency, no, we must be brothers and sisters to one another. The problem is in making a lobby of this tendency: a lobby of misers, a lobby of politicians, a lobby of masons, so many lobbies.” (News conference during flight from Brazil to Rome, July 28, 2013).
The theologians and religious clergy have been convening in Vatican City for the last six months, and Pope Francis is busting down all the doors of what they have come to learn, know and abide by for centuries. It has cast an interesting spell on how religion is viewed from the eyes of the Catholic Church.
Even atheists are embracing the new words of this beloved Pope.
His charm and simple ways of redeeming what we long held as gospel is about the most profound work of transformation since Michelangelo painted the Sistine chapel.
Pope Francis chooses the lesser of all evils; riding in regular transit, doesn’t opt for the standard security measures granted those in religious power, shakes hands with the homeless and the poor, allows would-be celebrities to do the buddy-type pats on the back in person, offers up his friendship to those usually deemed unworthy and gathers age-old country standards in unison to maintain peaceful negotiations and collaborate for a better world.
Handshakes all around!
“The perfect family doesn’t exist, nor is there a perfect husband or a perfect wife, and let’s not talk about the perfect mother-in-law! It’s just us sinners.” A healthy family life requires frequent use of three phrases: “May I? Thank you, and I’m sorry” and “never, never, never end the day without making peace.” (Meeting with engaged couples, Feb. 14, 2014).
If there were ever a time for all of this to take place, I can think of no other moment than now. Pope Francis has a smile and behavior that warms the heart. His open-arms practice to people of all types and backgrounds is exactly what this world has needed for centuries.
Perhaps we had to suffer through the stoic reign of Pope Benedict and his backward beliefs, or the many terms of Pope John Paul—whom although was revered for his charity work—Rome hasn’t seen anything like what Pope Francis is bringing to the proverbial supper.
As they recently finished up the Third Vatican Council, cardinals and bishops alike are left dumbfounded and angered by the Argentine man in charge.
His declarations are so evolutionary that they radiate throughout the entire world.
His desire to finish up the Second Vatican Council with values and beliefs of his own is a testament that we still have yet to see what this soul-inspiring man will continue to come up with. Those who preach the old dogmas and doctrines are going through mass hysteria in the walls of Vatican City as we know it.
Pope Francis is already legendary.
He will leave his mark on this society, as the one who challenged upheld standards, used his humanitarian voice and showed the world just how it’s meant to live.
Gerry Ellen is an author, freelance writer, and all-around creative soul. She enjoys sharing her experiences of life, love, and all things meaningful and healthy through words and images. Besides being a regular contributor to Meet Mindful, Be You Media Group, and Rebelle Society, she has been featured on elephant journal and Light Workers World. Gerry Ellen considers her love of nature and the outdoors, heart-centered connections, friends and family, and traveling to explore and expand as the epicenter of her world. It gives her the biggest smile, as she is finding more aliveness in her second half of life. She has written two books, Ripple Effects (March 2012) and A Big Piece of Driftwood (April 2014). Both are available on amazon.com.
Photo: (source)
Editor: Dana Gornall
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