Coming of Pope Francis: Who am I to judge?
When a journalist asked the Holy Father what his stance was on gays, he promptly replied:
‘Who am I to judge?’
Pope Francis waves as he arrives in Tirana on his recent one-day pastoral visit to Albania (Reuters)
Ever since then, these words of wisdom have reverberated around the world, touching not only Christian hearts but people of all nations as he strives to ‘turn respectfully’ to gay couples and those who are living together and appreciate the positive values those unions have. He uttered these words at the Vatican synod concluded weeks ago.
No doubt, his comments surprised some longtime Vatican experts putting the Roman Catholic Church in the middle of the mainstream public discussion about sexuality and marriage.
His is a willingness to accept each and everyone into the folds of spirituality; God is foremost in his mind. Maybe the Pope realised we all are living in a new world under pressure where issues of this nature have to be addressed less harshly especially when spiritual values are waning. Turning people around with love and kindness is the way in and offering them the assurance that the doors of the church are wide open to them.
‘Who am I to judge?’ is a message he has sent out to his clergy and laity alike.
Pope Francis looks at Christian life in terms of its Biblical origins in Christ and helps draw people closer to God as he embraces his flock of 1.2 billion around the world. His spiritual charisma is so clear and purposeful, that people see Christ in him filled with the Spirit.
What strikes people about the Holy Father first is his humility and the love he bestows upon his people with no reservation. He accommodates everyone in his heart and there is room for many more as he travels. It is not only the Catholics who look forward to his visit. People are not only intrigued by him but spiritually awakened and on such occasions, peace reigns over hearts and minds. All feel the presence of God and non-Christians a sense of awe of the divine power that radiates from him.
Pope Francis implores the Christian world to bear witness to Christ’s teachings; to love one another and truly worship and feel the power of prayer.
I would like to quote a passage from my book, Pope for Christian Unity (page 31 +): “The divided church with his followers going in different directions is the major issue confronting the Church and finding the right man to arrest the chaotic situation, has been gathering momentum like a ferocious tsunami rising in angry waves to engulf and choke us who have strayed from the truth.
“From his youth in the ministry, the Pope has been concerned with examining and finding solutions for genuine Christian faiths and working towards this goal with fervour. He moved among the humble and simple believers the way our Lord did during his 33 years on earth. No previous Pope had the courage and conviction to do so and continue to do so even from the elevated seat of Papacy.
“He set the precedent long before becoming Pope when he moved freely with the poor renouncing all forms of comfort and luxury set for a bishop and archbishop as well as for a cardinal and still continues these humane principles, perhaps to the embarrassment and guilt of his clergy.
“Just, how many are ready to give up their comfortable lives as well as their richly appointed mansions? Their own chauffeurs, cooks, valets etc at their call. Lustily they praise the Pope but opt to remain like Lords in their territories.
The Pope appeared like a saviour to these millions of Catholics who were yearning for reforms and the clean-up of the Roman stables. Like a shooting star from across the heavens, he reached to embody the collective aspirations of all Christians and not necessarily Catholics alone..The Pope sent out a strong message to his clergy, all his shepherds universally that the old order of privilege and entitlement of priests, archbishops and cardinals including the Pope, is gone.
He showed the way by not residing at the Apostolic Palace, not riding in fancy limousines or adorning himself with expensive vestments even after assuming the Papacy. He is reluctant to have people kneel before him rather stand when in contact. Neither does he expect them to kiss the ring, a long tradition that still prevalent among the clergy. He considers himself a devout servant of the Lord and not his equal.’…
With the coming of Pope Francis, there is a new awakening among all Christians.
The Pope’s vision for unity and peace stems from his desire to unite all Christians no matter to which sect they belong. He does not exclude gays, unmarried couples, homosexuals, etc; as revealed in the recently concluded synod at Rome. The Pope said ‘The search for unity among Christians is an urgent task. It is not a luxury but an imperative from which today more than ever, we cannot prescind. We hope for peace and unity, our witness demands that we should at least be able to proclaim in one voice the good news of the Gospel and celebrate together the Divine Mysteries of our new life in Christ’.
He is more than happy at the Mixed International Commission for Theological Dialogue between Catholics and the Orthodox Churches. He finds comfort in them to reach a compromise and end divisions in churches. He will bring such comfort and wisdom to our country as a whole rising above all prevailing conflicts we are experiencing at the moment.
Let’s welcome the Holy Father with cleansed hearts.