A Tale of Two Popes: Benedict & Francis

It has been a very busy two months since the last post: Benedict retired, a conclave happened, and Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen as the 266th successor to St. Peter on March 13, 2013. Since then, we have learned of the many stories in his life, especially as archbishop of Buenos Aires. I think it's time for me to delve in deeper to what I think of these two men, these two popes.

There will always be a transition when one person steps in for another. We are all unique and have different strengths that we bring to the table. As Fr. Z says on his blog, "Read Francis through Benedict." That being said, I absolutely love our new Holy Father. Sure, some of what he does we are not used to, just as Benedict did things we were not used to after JPII died, but that is the beauty of the Holy Spirit. His Will be done. This man is exactly what we need in the world today and in the Church. Benedict was also the man that we needed in his own way. Each man's humility is truly inspiring. Thus we see in these last two popes such a great "hermeneutic of continuity".

I have a great love of Benedict XVI and what he did for the Church. His revision of the English translation of the Missal and his efforts to restore the office of the Papacy its proper dignity, were some of the high points. I especially loved his outreach to other Christian communities and how seriously he took his role as shepherd and as an instrument and principle of Christian unity. One of the legacies of his pontificate will be his teaching prowess and efforts. In a way more like that of a father teaching his children, he gave us an understanding of our Faith that we sorely needed after the poor catechesis and liturgical abuses of the last 40 years. Only in time will we truly be able to see what rich treasures that Benedict shared with us. I am not going to lie, I will miss him. I had a lump in my throat when I watched him get into the helicopter and fly to Castel Gondolfo. I take it as a privilege that I was able to witness it in real time and also receive his final blessing as Pope, even if it was through the T.V. screen. We are blessed to live in this time and to be Catholics. I, for one, am glad he is still here praying fervently for the Church.

During the Sede Vacante, I was hopeful that none of the papabile would get chosen. I prayed for it. "Thy Will be done" was my mantra. I just wanted someone who would carry on the good work that Benedict started. Like others, I was completely confused and had never heard of Cardinal Bergoglio. But I was so ecstatic to see him emerge as our new Holy Father. What a blessing! An American! A Jesuit! His name is Francis! Many firsts. And I have a feeling many more wonderful surprises. His approach to people is refreshing and the world is taking notice. Many lapsed Catholics, especially in Latin America, have or are returning to the Church. The fact that an Orthodox patriarch attended his installation Mass is an indicator of something truly special going on that only God knows. We are still getting used to his style and his papacy and I have no doubt in my mind that he will be a great pope. I love the guy already and he is challenging me to be more aware of the shortfalls that I have in living my faith and in my proclamation of the gospel. May God grant him a long reign! This is truly an exciting time in the history of our faith and of the world!

Viva il Papa!