Pope Francis

[senior citizen]

Meet the new pope: Francis is humble leader who takes the bus to work - World News (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/13/17299920-meet-the-new-pope-francis-is-humble-leader-who-takes-the-bus-to-work?lite)


Meet the new pope: Francis is humble leader who took the bus to work (or used to; now he’ll use his pope mobile)....he also used to ride his bike.

He’s the son of Italian immigrants to Buenos Aires Argentina. Lived in a simple room with a small stove. Not flamboyant at all.

I liked the fact that he wore his simple wooden cross instead of the over the top opulent jewel encrusted ones like his predecessors wore.

He also seems plain spoken.........and not overly fussy. First time for a Jesuit. I was hoping for Cardinal Sean O’Malley the Capuchin, but he’s still young....

Saint Francis of Assisi is the saint whose name he chose to be called by.......it would be Pope Francesco in Italy........or Pope Francis in English speaking countries....

We were watching Jodi Arias' last day on the stand being questioned by the prosecutor......when the white smoke came out in Rome.........so we switched over to ABC news........everyone seems genuinely happy with the choice..........he seems like a decent , humble man and hopefully will pick the church up......

[Lbmb24101]

Amen

May God bless him with health and wisdom!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I'm really disappointed. I was hoping that he'd call himself Pope John, Paul, George, Ringo.

[graciegirl]

I liked that when he was in Argentina, he dismissed his chauffeur and rode the bus back and forth to work.

I hope he has warmth and good common sense and tries to emulate his boss, a simple carpenter..

[senior citizen]

I liked that when he was in Argentina, he dismissed his chauffeur and rode the bus back and forth to work.

I hope he has warmth and good common sense and tries to emulate his boss, a simple carpenter..

You are right......his boss being Jesus. I've always said that Jesus would NOT be wearing those fancy vestments and whatever.....perhaps a humble man will make some small difference. It's long overdue.

I just heard on the news that he used to dance the tango with his girlfriend.

I have cousins in Buenos Aires Argentina so I can relate to his parents immigrating from Italy to the same place. My long deceased paternal grandfather's brother Michele (Michael) couldn't get into New York City's Ellis Island.......so he and his wife went to Buenos Aires Argentina where he worked on a cattle ranch (outside the city).....this was back in the 1880's........his children's children's children got in touch with me when I was doing my genealogy.......and all the birth records, etc. and family names matched up........as being my grandfather's eldest brother.
They sent back to our village back in Italy and it was all confirmed.

The 34 year old cousin keeps in touch with me......and has really perfected her English.....anyway, I have a "connection" to Buenos Aires , so was happy to see one from Italian immigrant parents to Argentina.

As our adult children have shown us all.......the world is a much smaller place now....as they all travel the world.

I studied Saint Francis and his life.... when I was doing my genealogy.
He chose a great name.

[Lark7]

A time of reflection and a moment for hope.

[billethkid]

I too hope he brings a little humility to the position of
pope, more reflective of the originations and preaching of Christ.

It is not a positive when the higher up leaders up to and including the Pope live likekings while in the service of the church.

I am catholic and have spoken out about this for many, many years.....they do need to go back to more of the ways of the carpenter!!!

btk

[zonerboy]

When St. Francis was a young man, he had a vision while praying in the chapel of San Damiano just outside the walled city of Assisi. Jesus spoke to him from the cross and said, "Francis, rebuild my Church."
So I believe the new Pope's choice of name is significant, because the institutional church could certainly stand some major rebuilding. A return to the simple message of the Christ, namely: love, justice, and charity. A little less pomposity, politics, and power plays. Less secretivity, more openness on dealing with scandals. A little less obsessiveness with pelvic issues, etc. etc. etc.

[billethkid]

When St. Francis was a young man, he had a vision while praying in the chapel of San Damiano just outside the walled city of Assisi. Jesus spoke to him from the cross and said, "Francis, rebuild my Church."
So I believe the new Pope's choice of name is significant, because the institutional church could certainly stand some major rebuilding. A return to the simple message of the Christ, namely: love, justice, and charity. A little less pomposity, politics, and power plays. Less secretivity, more openness on dealing with scandals. A little less obsessiveness with pelvic issues, etc. etc. etc.


Well stated!!

btk

[DaleMN]

Wonder if he carries his lunch? :doh:

[duffysmom]

How sad that we have to make a huge hoopla over the fact that a man of God is being humble. How crazy is that? Hopefully he will forego the Prada handbags and Gucci shoes and all the trappings of power some of the Cardinals have adopted and use the money to feed the starving children in the world.

[senior citizen]

how sad that we have to make a huge hoopla over the fact that a man of god is being humble. How crazy is that? Hopefully he will forego the prada handbags and gucci shoes and all the trappings of power some of the cardinals have adopted and use the money to feed the starving children in the world.


amen

[coconutmama]

:agree:When St. Francis was a young man, he had a vision while praying in the chapel of San Damiano just outside the walled city of Assisi. Jesus spoke to him from the cross and said, "Francis, rebuild my Church."
So I believe the new Pope's choice of name is significant, because the institutional church could certainly stand some major rebuilding. A return to the simple message of the Christ, namely: love, justice, and charity. A little less pomposity, politics, and power plays. Less secretivity, more openness on dealing with scandals. A little less obsessiveness with pelvic issues, etc. etc. etc.

[senior citizen]

Well, the new Pope Francis is shaking things up a bit. We are early risers and happened to turn on our morning news to see LIVE coverage from Rome of the inaugural mass of Pope Francis........he was in an "open air" Jeep kind of vehicle. Not the typical popemobile used since Pope John Paul was shot...........

He had the vehicle stopped so he could get out and touch what looked like a severely disabled or paralyzed man held in someone's arms. Very touching.
He also kissed babies, etc. The "guards" must have been a nervous wreck.

We saw up to where he got his pope's ring. My husband thought it would be 18K gold but I had heard it was GOLD PLATED OVER STERLING SILVER. He didn't believe that. They said it again. The pope chose a simple version of the "fisherman's ring" of Saint Peter. He also chose the simple "shawl" of wool.

What really surprised me though was that the anchors said that the pope does not like those long drawn out masses and prefers the simplicity of a shorter mass.....which this one would be............plus he would not be dispensing communion as it usually ends up being only the "nobility" types that get the communion and he felt it better not to do it at all. That's what we heard..........basically, it would not be a lot of pomp and circumstance. We all know already he ditched the red shoes....and today was not wearing the heavy brocaded garments he could have worn, in favor of a simple white outfit............just interesting to observe.

We were born and raised Roman Catholics, however, have been totally turned off by the years and years of scandals involving children..........but every now and then there is a glimpse of "hope".

It was also interesting to see how the church hiarchy from Constanstinople actually came to the ceremony........the rift between the Roman and the Orthodox church is well known..........again, hope for a better tomorrow with Pope Francis leading.

p.s. It was also interesting to see Pope Francis go down into the tomb of Saint Peter (the apostle Peter)......the first pope. Buried in a cave underneath???
The other world church leaders also went down into the tomb...this was prior to the mass and him getting his gold plated over sterling silver fisherman's ring.

I'm a pretty good judge of character and he has a kindly face and aura........I really don't think he had much choice when Argentina was terrorized by the bad guys in the 1970's and 80's. Walking a tightrope to try to keep the peace when all the horrors were going on..........I'll have to ask my older cousins in Buenos Aires what they think of that era.

[Taltarzac725]

Very interesting time for the Catholic Church.

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12272b.htm

If you read some of the stories of previous Popes you get an idea why a humble one is such a change. Contrast him with the 224th Pope-- Pope Paul IV-- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Paul_IV

"Carafa hated by the devil and the sky
is buried here with his rotting corpse,
Erebus has taken the spirit;
he hated peace on earth, our faith he contested.
He ruined the church and the people, men and sky offended;
treacherous friend, suppliant with the army which was fatal to him.
You want to know more? Pope was him and that is enough." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasquino

[Cisco Kid]

Pope Francis, went out of his way and broke ceremonial rules on Saturday to meet and bless Asia, a journalist’s guide dog. Read more about Asia and the pope's meeting here: MissT's HeirPins » DogHeirs | Where Dogs Are Family (http://www.dogheirs.com/misst/clippings/230)


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[2BNTV]

We used to greet an friend from the old neighborhood with, "Hey Frankie Boy!!!!!". Rest his soul.

I think Pope Francis will become a beloved pope just like Pope John XXIII.

[Bavarian]

I would have preferred the more traditional ways. He is Pope, he should have worn his Gold Cross, had a true gold ring and worn his woolen shawl. This was his inauguration. I knew there was no hope of him being properly crowned with a tirara. Last Holy Father to do so was Pope Paul VI. We need ceremony to bring us to God. Now, later when he does his day to day duties, he does not need all the pomp, but this was a special Mass for his Inauguration.

[graciegirl]

I would have preferred the more traditional ways. He is Pope, he should have worn his Gold Cross, had a true gold ring and worn his woolen shawl. This was his inauguration. I knew there was no hope of him being properly crowned with a tirara. Last Holy Father to do so was Pope Paul VI. We need ceremony to bring us to God. Now, later when he does his day to day duties, he does not need all the pomp, but this was a special Mass for his Inauguration.

Everyone sees and feels things differently and needs or searches for things from organized religion and only God knows what is right. Many folks feel comfortable with the traditions of the church but even those change from era to era.

I know that the first leader of the church, St. Peter, was a simple fisherman.

[Patty55]

How sad that we have to make a huge hoopla over the fact that a man of God is being humble. How crazy is that? Hopefully he will forego the Prada handbags and Gucci shoes and all the trappings of power some of the Cardinals have adopted and use the money to feed the starving children in the world.

I would like to borrow his purses if he's not going to use them.

[duffysmom]

I would have preferred the more traditional ways. He is Pope, he should have worn his Gold Cross, had a true gold ring and worn his woolen shawl. This was his inauguration. I knew there was no hope of him being properly crowned with a tirara. Last Holy Father to do so was Pope Paul VI. We need ceremony to bring us to God. Now, later when he does his day to day duties, he does not need all the pomp, but this was a special Mass for his Inauguration.



It's my understading the the Pope represents Christ on earth. Jesus didn't prance around in gold, satin robes or designer clothing. He was a simple carpenter and wasn't interested in the trappings of power that the CC feels is important today. People today equate rich trappings with power but actually this Pope seems to be teaching us that real power comes from the Christ within.

[Villages PL]

He's Italian? I can relate to that! I like him already.

[graciegirl]

He's Italian? I can relate to that! I like him already.

Actually he is second generation Italian. He is a citizen of Argentina, or was.

[Bavarian]

As for Prada shoes, not wearing them might make for more unemployment in Italy, Italy is suffering enough. Just because Prada shoes in US are expensive, fancy does not mean all are.

So far, my favorite Pope has been Papst Benedikt XVI, sorry he abdicated. He was working on bringing separated factions back, like SSPX.

[rubicon]

The choice of Pope is always political and reflects the thinking of the hierarcy. The pope has an 84% approval rating but wait................

Pope Francis can continue his humility tour but the day is arriving shortly where the opposing factions in the church will collide and when it does watch out.

I am a nominal Catholic for many reasons others fall back. However, I do not condem the church anymore so concerning the sexual scandals than I do schools, work places, etc. For whatever reason(s) all of these establishments tried to hide abuses. so I find fault equally with all of them.

My preference would be to return to the traditional church but that is not going to happen. I miss the Latin mass. I always hated the so called "rock masses"

[senior citizen]

The choice of Pope is always political and reflects the thinking of the hierarcy. The pope has an 84% approval rating but wait................

Pope Francis can continue his humility tour but the day is arriving shortly where the opposing factions in the church will collide and when it does watch out.

I am a nominal Catholic for many reasons others fall back. However, I do not condem the church anymore so concerning the sexual scandals than I do schools, work places, etc. For whatever reason(s) all of these establishments tried to hide abuses. so I find fault equally with all of them.

My preference would be to return to the traditional church but that is not going to happen. I miss the Latin mass. I always hated the so called "rock masses"



Like you, I also remember the beauty and mystery of the Latin mass.

In 1965, we were among the first to be married in an English mass and then in 1968 our first child was baptized with the priest speaking in English.

The Godparents were shocked.

They were Catholics who had attended Catholic schools but didn't like what the "ceremony" translated to......in the English language.

I guess although none of us ever understood what was being said in our childhood and teens......(Latin) unless one studied Latin.......it was the mystery of it all......the beautiful music, etc.

I never cared for the modern folk masses either........but we took our kids to church every Sunday.........

When my mom passed, we buried her from her old Greek Catholic, now called Byzantine or Eastern Rite......their service was so beautiful, it literally transported one to another place........it was the chanting of the Orthodox monks and priest, nuns, etc...........it just felt "holy". She was back where she belonged. She had loved both the Greek and the Roman Catholic churches but raised us in our dad's church.

I think I know why my Italian grandmother went to mass every morning back in the 1890's and beyond until age 90.....at the old Saint Patrick's Cathedral.......and also the church of Our Lady of Loreto.......with all the kids at home, it must have been a nice change, a peaceful oasis........the beautiful music, the lit candles, the flowers, etc........and the peace and quiet to meditate and pray.

Ditto for my Ukrainian grandmother who would often go to her Greek Catholic Church and would take me with her.........and my mom as well.

Nowadays, so many churches lock their doors and are closed.
When we traveled, we would always stop......not too many churches are open anymore. When we were little girls, we'd all walk back down to the church on a Sunday afternoon to light candles........or do the Stations of the Cross..........it was convenient and always open .......

Anyway, I know exactly what you mean...........the end of an era for sure.

[Bavarian]

It is a shame that the churches have to be closed during the day when no Mass, to much vandalism and thievery by people who don't know what they are doing.

Many churches in Europe have a compromise. A metal gate is across the church towards the back, leaving 5-6 pews open. People can come in and pray in the back.

Right now I could get in our Parish Church because I have a key as GK. But I only use it for meetings.

[senior citizen]

It's my understading the the Pope represents Christ on earth. Jesus didn't prance around in gold, satin robes or designer clothing. He was a simple carpenter and wasn't interested in the trappings of power that the CC feels is important today. People today equate rich trappings with power but actually this Pope seems to be teaching us that real power comes from the Christ within.


I totally agree.

[senior citizen]

It is a shame that the churches have to be closed during the day when no Mass, to much vandalism and thievery by people who don't know what they are doing.

Many churches in Europe have a compromise. A metal gate is across the church towards the back, leaving 5-6 pews open. People can come in and pray in the back.

Right now I could get in our Parish Church because I have a key as GK. But I only use it for meetings.

You are right, it is a shame.........

[duffysmom]

Unfortunately in Ireland the churches are closed because there aren't priests available to say mass. Also the catholics in Ireland are devastated by the the CC's hierachy's betrayal in allowing known pedophile priests access to their children. There is much work to do, they need to clean out the evil from the top down. Watching the cardinals arriving at the Vatican I was struck by the nuns opening the car doors for the church's royalty and then kneeing to kiss their rings. Archaic and ridiculous!!

[senior citizen]

Pope Francis spoke of being 'dazzled' by girl, possible change of celibacy rule - World News (http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/03/20/17386717-pope-francis-spoke-of-being-dazzled-by-girl-possible-change-of-celibacy-rule#comments)


Very interesting. The new Pope said this last year........before he was pope.

My mother always spoke of her childhood priests (Greek Catholic/Eastern rite/Byzantine) who did marry.
I believe if they wished to marry, they could choose to do so before their final vows.........and still become priests.
Some did not marry, but many Ukrainian priests did take a wife and have children.