Pope Francis - A Man of His Word

Earlier this week, the movie “Pope Francis – A Man of His Word” opened in theaters.  I went to see it.  Twice!  I saw the movie as an opportunity to get my thoughts going so that I would have something to say about it in this blog today.  So, here goes.

One word that describes the man well is “pastoral.”  The movie shows many clips of him up close, speaking directly to us through the camera.  He as an engaging smile and caring facial expressions.  He definitely is someone you would want to talk to if you are stressed.  He exudes wisdom, confidence, and compassion – three qualities that everyone would want their spiritual director to have.  

He has been reported to have rather surprising views on modern societal issues, such as concerns about the environment, discrimination against marginalized groups, divorce and re-marriage, and even the existence of hell.  If you are like me, you wonder if what has been reported is really true, or if media reports have been embellished (or genuinely misunderstood) by the overzealous reporters.  I get the sense from the movie that what should be guiding our attitudes is love.  He says that God’s love is universal.  God loves atheists, prisoners, and immigrants just as much as He loves faithful Catholics, priests and nuns.  He tells us that the first declared saint was a prisoner – the Good Thief (known as St. Dismas) on Calvary (See Luke 23:39-43).  I took the message to be that sinners should be loved because they are just one step away from salvation, and that one step is forgiveness. 

The movie has many “flashbacks” to the life of St. Francis of Assisi, from whom the Pope chose his name.  One particular poignant scene is when the Lord speaks to St. Francis and asks him to rebuild his church.  At first, Francis misunderstood, thinking that He meant to rebuild the little chapel in which he was praying.  It soon became clear, however, that God meant to rebuild the Church Jesus had founded.  Francis response was to step into the shoes of the poor, the hungry, and the marginalized.  The point in this movie is, I think, that Pope Francis, in taking the name of St. Francis, wants to transform the Church into a church of compassion and forgiveness.

Whether this means upsetting the apple cart a little bit remains to be seen.  Christ told us that He “will be with you to the end of the age.”  (Matt 28:20).  He also said:  “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name, he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”  (John 14:26).  Whatever happens with the papacy of Francis, we can be sure of one thing.  Christ will be with us always and the Holy Spirit will remind us of all that we were told by Christ. 

My prayer for today is for the Church.  Lord, help us to see clearly the path we must choose regarding the issues that surface in our modern world, and especially give the Holy Father a heavy dose of your grace so that we may know and fully understand all that you have told us.  Amen.