2014: Year of the Pope

This year, 2014, has been designated the “Year of the Pope.” Media Source, 2014, published a lovely book on highlights in the history of the papacy. It speaks of Pope Francis in these words: “In 2014 Pope Francis will continue his busy schedule, changing minds and winning hearts all over the world. Taking charge of a church from which many were distancing themselves, Francis has begun to show the world what strong, open-minded leadership can do.

With only 12 months under his belt, he’s truly just getting started.” There is no doubt that Pope Francis speaks his mind. About our world economic system, he says: “It is not good! It’s a system that in order to survive must make war, as great empires have always done. But now, since you cannot have a Third World War, you have regional wars. And what does this mean? That arms are made and sold and in this way the idolatrous economies, the great world economies that sacrifice man at the feet of the idol of money, obviously keep their balance sheets in the black.” (The Visitor [St Cloud, Minn., diocesan newspaper], 6/20/2014). He clearly speaks his mind.  Can we hear him? He also says: “Globalization’s failings are not only material but cultural since it cancels differences.” (Ibid.) Pope Francis calls for an economic system that “preserves each person’s particularity, richness, and identity.” (Ibid.) A very timely message, I would wager!

Media Source gives other significant quotes from our Pope:

If, throughout history, the Church has changed so much, I do not see why we should not adapt it to the culture of our times.

There are two types of men (sic): those who take care of the pain and those who pass by ...

No one can grow if he does not accept his smallness.

Not everyone present belongs to the Catholic faith and others do not believe. I respect the conscience of each one of you, knowing that each one of you is a child of God. May God bless you!

And may God bless you, Pope Francis! Thank you for jogging our minds,

hearts and action!

                                        
 Renee Domeier, OSB