I had fun yesterday with my Twitter buddies trying to get the phrase “Love Him Already” trending on Twitter. By him, we’re talking about our new Holy Father Pope Francis. Given I had so much fun learning about then Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, now Pope Francis, I wanted to collect my thoughts here, too. Why do I #lovehimalready? Let’s start from the moment Pope Francis stepped onto the Loggia of the Blessings at St. Peter’s Basilica.
A mass fusion between religious orders from the start! I am hopeful Pope Francis’ Igantian/Jesuit roots will increase a contemplative in action desire in the First World … to be alive, active in the world, yet posses a calm, inner openness and presence that allows one to lead life quite alert yet completely at ease, completely at rest.
Taking the name Francis, after Saint Francis of Assisi, I pray the world will recognize and embody a detachment from earthly riches. Just as Saint Francis of Assisi did during his life, we now have a new example in Pope Francis. Might Pope Francis help the Church recover a devotion to the true Saint Francis of Assisi, not the mythical animal whisperer? Please, God? For that potential, I #lovehimalready.
So you know that little awkward moment when Pope Francis fist appeared from the Loggia of the Blessings. Were you thinking … is he scared? Shy? Overwhelmed? Verklempt?! Didn’t it look like he wanted to get out of dodge and run right back to the Room of Tears? I heard Father Andrew Small say on Sirius/XM’s The Catholic Channel that Pope Francis stood there as he did to allow the band to finish playing the national anthem. As a musician, I #lovehimalready for allowing the band play on!
Of this same moment, The Wall Street Journal’s Peggy Noonan wrote the following:
“This is a kind of public leadership we are no longer used to—unassuming, self-effacing. Leaders of the world now are garish and brazen. You can think of half a dozen of their names in less than a minute. They’re good at showbiz, they find the light and flash the smile. But this man wasn’t trying to act like anything else.” (read full piece here)
And what were his last words from the Loggia? “Good night and sleep well.” Isn’t that just what good daddies do? Tuck us in and wish us a peaceful sleep.
In one of his first public appearances, Pope Francis left flowers for the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Basilica of St. Mary Major and then gave his second papal blessing to a pregnant woman. Then after praying before a popular icon of Mary, known as the protectress of the Roman people, Pope Francis told confessors at the church to “be merciful, the souls of the faithful need your mercy.”
Have you seen the following photo floating around social media outlets? The one of Pope Francis as just one of the guys on the bus? Reminds me of a popular management book that encourages leaders/bosses to sit in the middle and not at the head of the table during business meetings and such.
Or maybe you’ve seen this Catholic meme with Pope Francis insisting on paying his bill at the clerical guest house he was staying during the Conclave. He also carried his own suitcase out of the guest house. For setting a good example, I #lovehimalready.
Then there’s faith and reason! This one’s for my husband Joel, my favorite non-practicing scientist who studied biochemistry. Pope Francis studied chemistry before entering the seminary. He, too, is a non-practicing scientist. Very eager to see how Pope Francis blends faith and reason during his pontificate. For this potential, I #lovehimalready.
Healthy! While Pope Francis may not be a fellow foodie, he appears to make wise food choices. According to National Public Radio, Pope Francis occasionally enjoys a glass of wine (an Argentinean Malbec by chance?). Fruit, skinless chicken, and salads are his favorites. Again, for setting a good example, I #lovehimalready.
And then … and then … his first papal Mass where he delivered a rather extemporaneous homily with no notes. Pope Francis preached about walking with Jesus, building in Jesus, and confessing Jesus. Time and again, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI urged us to develop a deeper friendship with Jesus. Pope Francis seems to say: Onward Christian soliders. We’ve all got a friend in Jesus. Now let’s go be a good friend to Him.
Oh, how I love Papa Francis already!
Tag, you’re it! Why do you #lovehimalready? I would love to hear your ideas in the comment box below.
March 15th, 2013 
I am so excited that my Non-Catholic, Christian friends are talking positively about Pope Francis. They are drawn to him. It gives me hope that we can come together like Christ intended it to be. The Holy Spirit is working here and I love being a part of it. If you want to read my day meeting Pope Francis here it is : http://wheregraceflows.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/my-day-meeting-pope-francis/
Excellent point, Fran! While I’ve seen a few snarky things on Facebook from fellow Christians, the far majority has been quite respectful. In fact, there is a popular evangelical talk radio personality here in Des Moines who wrote a terrific piece on his blog. You may be interested in it: The Pope is (still) Catholic
Oh, and thanks so much for sharing your post. Loved it!
I love that you are saying “love him already!” That’s exactly what I looked at my husband and said when he first came out and spoke. I really do love him already! I reflected a little bit about it on Thursday. What I love most- he’s a champion for the poor, he’s true to doctrine, he respects the dignity of all human beings! I can’t wait to learn more about him and I can’t wait to watch him lead us!
http://www.lifehappenswhen.com/2013/03/thoughts-on-thursday/
Very well written, Leanne! I saw someone write (can’t remember who) that this papacy is going to be an extremely humane one. That rang true for me, too!
Just to be fair, the extemporaneous can’t always be done by any Pope. Translations have to be ready for the media during the Mass, and to publish after it’s over. It was frustrating, sometimes, to see John Paul reading his homilies, too.
I see your point. Joel and I sat in St. Peter’s Square during JP2′s beatification Mass. Given Pope Benedict’s homily had been pre-released to the media, someone in our group got ahold of it, and we were able to follow along. That was very helpful for this English-only speaking Catholic.
On the flip side, maybe journalists will now have to slow down and listen a little closer?
I love him already too. I love that he chose the name “Francis.” Our youngest son is named Francis and I love that he has this selfless, humble role model to look up to. How he approached his first moments as Pope, to join with us in prayer, helps us all know how to put first things first. I love him already. Keep up the good work Lisa!
Oh what a gift for your son, Barb! I did have a passing, humorous thought that when the papal name was announced, all men named Francis rejoiced a little louder!
Thanks for your nice note!
I truly love his sense of humor… in this time of suffering in a secular world, his self-deprecating humor (particularly with his brother Cardinals) is so human so like many of us…Thank you Your Holiness! #LoveHimAlready
Yes. Me too, Sofia! As he said to the Cardinals “May God forgive you” for choosing him.
I love him. To all the haters and disparaging comments, if you really believe that the Holy Spirit inspires the cardinals in their decision making then your disapproval of Francis indicates that you think the Holy Spirit is wrong. Jesus didn´t die to make you God.
Thanks Lisa for the blog post. I kind of laugh at the media and others who were hoping that there would be changes in contraception, abortion, or gay marriage with a new Pope. All of the Cardinals were appointed by JPII or B16. At the end of the day Pope Francis is still Catholic!! Thank you Jesus!
I almost missed it because I was going “power down” that afternoon–happened to check FB on a flyby before starting to teach, and when I realized what had happened I ran for the TV. He was already standing there at that point, just standing there, and I thought, “Whoa! This man is…different! What is it? What is it? He’s…humble. He’s….he’s….simple….he’s…really REAL!” I thought I was imposing my own hopes on him and tried to moderate my expectations, but now I realize his vibes were just that powerful. Everyone could tell in a single glance, and really, that’s just so rare. He is exactly what a Pope should be in a pure world: servant, loving, meek… I hope his simply being what a Pope should be is enough to change the whole world around him! That’s why I #lovehimalready.
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