For me prayers are most often statements of intention, and therefore aspirational. For a long time now I have believed that god, at least as I understand god, does not play favorites, nor is god something like a gumball machine that, if you drop a coin in the slot, spits out rewards. Any god that I could imagine would embody a generous love and regard for each any every element of creation--all humans, animals, plants, microbes, stars and whatever might inhabit realms we aren't even equipped to imagine. Representing such a god is something a pope must somehow manage to do, regardless of the impossibility of doing it adequately. It seems to me that Leo IV will wear those papal shoes and carry the papal shepherd's crook well, however. He is, as you state, educated in such a way as to appreciate many of the most pressing challenges of our time. He also bears the DNA of at least three of the differing peoples of the world, as well as front line experience in the ongoing battle for social and economic justice. I pray (aspirationally) that we don't demand perfection of him, because perfection is often the enemy of the good.
You are so right and eloquent, it's a tough job being Pope. The challenge is that religion and politics can become toxic. Look at what Trump is doing on the World stage, he's such a hypocrite and ready to mix it up. With social media playing such an important role, everyone is equipped with a megaphone to share their views (good or bad).
A life ring, a rope cast upon the waters here, Diane, in a sea of ships capsized and burning, their crew and souls adrift, seeing nothing but the vessels of their hopes and beliefs sent under by the rankest and most cruel manner of pirates- pirates whose only deity is Money and the power it brings. An epochal moment. To paraphrase Tolkien: "..because there is still some good in this world, Mr. Frodo..."
"and it's worth fighting for"...one of my favourite scenes from LOTR with Sam reminding Frodo of why they are trying to destroy the ring. He was reminding Frodo who was falling in the depths of despair after the battle at Osgiliath.
'...by all rights, we shouldn't even be here." This whole speech and scene stood the hair up on the back of my neck and welled up my eyes the first time I saw this in the local theater, CF. Still does.
Thanks for adding Sam's closing. I shall continue seeking the figurative sword that can take back the power that's captivated so much of us as Osgiliath looms...
Wonderful blog, Diane......you're right on the money in expressing the sentiment most Ukrainians felt towards Pope Francis.
As regards Pope Leo's attitude towards Ukraine and Russia, the most recent news (perhaps only a few hours old) is that when he was still a bishop (but the invasion had commenced) he condemned Russia in terms strong enough to satisfy you, me, and many readers of this blog. With Chicago as his hometown and Villanova as his college, it is likely that he has had friends who would have told him about Ukraine and Russian imperialism......his comments seemed to reflect a more than average understanding of the issues.
Because I am agnostic basically - I can't respond to the faithful support people have given to the Pope. However, that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the good values that are a part of the many faiths, not only Christianity. I enjoy & admire the comments given to Diane's column.
Back in the 1980s I was a big fan of John Paul II and his leadership in Poland. When history offers an opportunity to fight evil, you must do your part. He did, Francis dithered. Every one of the worlds major religions have had leaders who influenced human progress positively or negatively in their time. Lets hope Leo XIV will be one of the positive ones. The pen is mightier than the sword, when it is in the hands of wise leaders who walk the talk, as we used to say.
Thank you, Diane, I cannot explain why the Popes mentioned herein did not call out Hitler and Putin; that is truly sad. I hope Pope Leo XIV calls out Putin and Trump. The latter is especially dangerous, hiding behind the curtain of religion. Producing his edition of the Bible with the Constitution is an insult to all religious people, a bible that was used for his inauguration in January 2025. Therefore, I don't believe he truly swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States of America.
God is supposed to be ever forgiving, but I believe exceptions can be made for ruthless and powerful leaders who abuse their power/influence.
For me prayers are most often statements of intention, and therefore aspirational. For a long time now I have believed that god, at least as I understand god, does not play favorites, nor is god something like a gumball machine that, if you drop a coin in the slot, spits out rewards. Any god that I could imagine would embody a generous love and regard for each any every element of creation--all humans, animals, plants, microbes, stars and whatever might inhabit realms we aren't even equipped to imagine. Representing such a god is something a pope must somehow manage to do, regardless of the impossibility of doing it adequately. It seems to me that Leo IV will wear those papal shoes and carry the papal shepherd's crook well, however. He is, as you state, educated in such a way as to appreciate many of the most pressing challenges of our time. He also bears the DNA of at least three of the differing peoples of the world, as well as front line experience in the ongoing battle for social and economic justice. I pray (aspirationally) that we don't demand perfection of him, because perfection is often the enemy of the good.
Beautifully written.
You are so right and eloquent, it's a tough job being Pope. The challenge is that religion and politics can become toxic. Look at what Trump is doing on the World stage, he's such a hypocrite and ready to mix it up. With social media playing such an important role, everyone is equipped with a megaphone to share their views (good or bad).
A life ring, a rope cast upon the waters here, Diane, in a sea of ships capsized and burning, their crew and souls adrift, seeing nothing but the vessels of their hopes and beliefs sent under by the rankest and most cruel manner of pirates- pirates whose only deity is Money and the power it brings. An epochal moment. To paraphrase Tolkien: "..because there is still some good in this world, Mr. Frodo..."
"and it's worth fighting for"...one of my favourite scenes from LOTR with Sam reminding Frodo of why they are trying to destroy the ring. He was reminding Frodo who was falling in the depths of despair after the battle at Osgiliath.
'...by all rights, we shouldn't even be here." This whole speech and scene stood the hair up on the back of my neck and welled up my eyes the first time I saw this in the local theater, CF. Still does.
Thanks for adding Sam's closing. I shall continue seeking the figurative sword that can take back the power that's captivated so much of us as Osgiliath looms...
Wonderful blog, Diane......you're right on the money in expressing the sentiment most Ukrainians felt towards Pope Francis.
As regards Pope Leo's attitude towards Ukraine and Russia, the most recent news (perhaps only a few hours old) is that when he was still a bishop (but the invasion had commenced) he condemned Russia in terms strong enough to satisfy you, me, and many readers of this blog. With Chicago as his hometown and Villanova as his college, it is likely that he has had friends who would have told him about Ukraine and Russian imperialism......his comments seemed to reflect a more than average understanding of the issues.
Praise be to God
Because I am agnostic basically - I can't respond to the faithful support people have given to the Pope. However, that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the good values that are a part of the many faiths, not only Christianity. I enjoy & admire the comments given to Diane's column.
Back in the 1980s I was a big fan of John Paul II and his leadership in Poland. When history offers an opportunity to fight evil, you must do your part. He did, Francis dithered. Every one of the worlds major religions have had leaders who influenced human progress positively or negatively in their time. Lets hope Leo XIV will be one of the positive ones. The pen is mightier than the sword, when it is in the hands of wise leaders who walk the talk, as we used to say.
I agree with the "pen" concept, let's hope that excludes a "Sharpie".
Thank you, Diane, I cannot explain why the Popes mentioned herein did not call out Hitler and Putin; that is truly sad. I hope Pope Leo XIV calls out Putin and Trump. The latter is especially dangerous, hiding behind the curtain of religion. Producing his edition of the Bible with the Constitution is an insult to all religious people, a bible that was used for his inauguration in January 2025. Therefore, I don't believe he truly swore an oath to the Constitution of the United States of America.
God is supposed to be ever forgiving, but I believe exceptions can be made for ruthless and powerful leaders who abuse their power/influence.