The fact Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina is a Jesuit who took the name of Francis with its link to the Franciscans, is a hopeful reason to think the Catholic Church might be on a new path. While the Franciscans is a group within Catholicism, there are other groups around the world following the teachings of Saint Francis. As the name a Pope chooses indicates the focus of his papacy, Bergoglio is indicating a focus not seen since the time of Pope John XXIII.
Pope John XXIII was working with President Kennedy and the USSR Premier Khrushchev behind the scenes and all three knew what we know now. Pope John XXIII died just before he was to meet with President Kennedy and only a few months before Kennedy was assassinated. Seems the Pope got a fast acting cancer...same thing that killed Jack Ruby, Lee Oswald’s assassin. The position of Pope can make an unfathomable difference in 1.2 billion people. It was Pope John XXIII to whom a President and Premier turned during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Pope addressed the world and the two leaders could then retreat with dignity. Pope John XXIII also dedicated his papacy to the poor and to making major changes in the Church through the Second Vatican Council.
Pope John XXIII was working with President Kennedy and the USSR Premier Khrushchev behind the scenes and all three knew what we know now. Pope John XXIII died just before he was to meet with President Kennedy and only a few months before Kennedy was assassinated. Seems the Pope got a fast acting cancer...same thing that killed Jack Ruby, Lee Oswald’s assassin. The position of Pope can make an unfathomable difference in 1.2 billion people. It was Pope John XXIII to whom a President and Premier turned during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Pope addressed the world and the two leaders could then retreat with dignity. Pope John XXIII also dedicated his papacy to the poor and to making major changes in the Church through the Second Vatican Council.
Cardinal Bergoglio does not support the equality of marriage. From my view, this should really not be a consideration, because in our reality there should be no need to have a committed couple required to have their partnership sanctioned by Church or State. The new Pope has also opposed contraception. For this I have nothing to say. And there may be other subjects with which we would disagree.
So why do I believe we must support this man from Argentina? First it was the way he asked the world to bless him. Second it was his use of three simple prayers, known by every Catholic Child. And then it was the name he chose.
So what is it that Saint Francis signifies? What does the use of "Francis" indicate regarding the focus of the new Pope? Francis of Assisi started out in a wealthy family and was even a soldier for a time. And while fighting Francis had a vision that led him toward a life without worldly goods. He joined the poor and gained a following. Eventually he established the Franciscan order and a second one founded for nuns called the Order of Saint Clare. Francis was focused on gaining enlightenment and is said to have had a vision where he heard, “ "Francis, Francis, go and repair My house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins."
It has been argued that no one in history was as dedicated as Francis to imitate the life, and carry out the work, of Christ in Christ’s own way. He celebrated poverty and believed nature was the mirror of God. Francis thought every aspect of nature was another version of God and he is considered the Saint of animals and was declared the Patron Saint of Ecology.
But Bergoglio was of the Jesuits Order. The Jesuits were started by a man with a military background and are sometimes referred to as "God's Marines". Jesuits have long feuded over theology with the Roman Papacy. We need to throw our support to Pope Francis who has indicated by his choice of names that he will walk in the foot prints of Saint Francis. This may be a great indicator that the path has indeed changed. It was considered impossible a Jesuit would ever become Pope.
By the very election of Bergoglio the Cardinals of the worldwide Catholic Church have made a statement. Yes, I find the Catholic Church to have done despicable acts and is populated by despicable men. But at the same time it has a majority of devoted clergy and congregations that are faithful, hopeful, and loving and who also walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
I know something about these Catholics. My Mom's brother was a Franciscan and her sister was in the Order of Saint Clare. They were the inspiration for a young girl to go to Catholic Mass every day of Lent. They had something I wanted. With help Pope Francis may be able to lead his people to an newly built Church they deserve. And a church dedicated to helping the poor led by a Pope dedicated to Nature in all its facets, is a church that can only benefit all of us. Let us send Pope Francis thoughts of support, positive energy, and "prayers" that he can also succeed in weeding out the evil that has been allowed to destroy so many lives.
So why do I believe we must support this man from Argentina? First it was the way he asked the world to bless him. Second it was his use of three simple prayers, known by every Catholic Child. And then it was the name he chose.
So what is it that Saint Francis signifies? What does the use of "Francis" indicate regarding the focus of the new Pope? Francis of Assisi started out in a wealthy family and was even a soldier for a time. And while fighting Francis had a vision that led him toward a life without worldly goods. He joined the poor and gained a following. Eventually he established the Franciscan order and a second one founded for nuns called the Order of Saint Clare. Francis was focused on gaining enlightenment and is said to have had a vision where he heard, “ "Francis, Francis, go and repair My house which, as you can see, is falling into ruins."
It has been argued that no one in history was as dedicated as Francis to imitate the life, and carry out the work, of Christ in Christ’s own way. He celebrated poverty and believed nature was the mirror of God. Francis thought every aspect of nature was another version of God and he is considered the Saint of animals and was declared the Patron Saint of Ecology.
But Bergoglio was of the Jesuits Order. The Jesuits were started by a man with a military background and are sometimes referred to as "God's Marines". Jesuits have long feuded over theology with the Roman Papacy. We need to throw our support to Pope Francis who has indicated by his choice of names that he will walk in the foot prints of Saint Francis. This may be a great indicator that the path has indeed changed. It was considered impossible a Jesuit would ever become Pope.
By the very election of Bergoglio the Cardinals of the worldwide Catholic Church have made a statement. Yes, I find the Catholic Church to have done despicable acts and is populated by despicable men. But at the same time it has a majority of devoted clergy and congregations that are faithful, hopeful, and loving and who also walk in the footsteps of Jesus.
I know something about these Catholics. My Mom's brother was a Franciscan and her sister was in the Order of Saint Clare. They were the inspiration for a young girl to go to Catholic Mass every day of Lent. They had something I wanted. With help Pope Francis may be able to lead his people to an newly built Church they deserve. And a church dedicated to helping the poor led by a Pope dedicated to Nature in all its facets, is a church that can only benefit all of us. Let us send Pope Francis thoughts of support, positive energy, and "prayers" that he can also succeed in weeding out the evil that has been allowed to destroy so many lives.