An election to be pleased about...




I was entirely shocked by the election of Pope Leo XIV-- an American-born Augustinian! I am also pretty pleased (not that the College of Cardinals would have asked). He seems to be a gentle man, one who has served the needs of the poor for most of his adult life. As an Augustinian, he has promoted peace, help for the marginalized, and education. And by choosing the name Leo, it seems that he honors the originator of modern Catholic social teaching; it is not just enough to speak out about the needs of the marginalized peoples, we must act on their behalf. 

I'm so glad that the election was not in favor of a hard-liner. And the ultra-conservatives in the US Catholic Church are spinning like tops. They are not happy. If anything, that tells me that the choice was a good one. Any church that weaponizes faith and that subverts teachings in order to justify hurting other people is wrong. Yes, I know that the Catholic Church has much to atone for; historically, the Church did much to hurt innocent people, and I can only imagine Jesus flipping some heavenly tables about that. But the modern Church and its teachings, especially about the "preferential option for the poor," resonates with me. And Pope Francis was a model of humility, intelligence, and caritas-- one most people, even non-Catholics-- felt comfortable with, and were willing to emulate. He made it very clear that the past sins of the Church leaders were unacceptable, and he made sure to make public his deep feelings on the issues. Pope Leo XIV was very close to Pope Francis and I think he'll continue many of the same social ideas and policies. 

It's refreshing to have some good news about an election. The Pope is an international figure, a head of state, and as such, he can (and does) swing a lot of weight. The elections in both Canada and Australia were both heartening as well, and the strong statements out of Germany that serve as a warning about hate-fueled isolationism are clear. 

May our new Pope be blessed with long life and clear vision. 

C

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