I have a confession. I’m having a tough time adjusting to Pope Francis.
I admit that I’m a B16 fan girl and I’m still getting over Pape Bene’s understandable departure.
It’s like when your best friend moves far away and no matter how hard you try, you can’t help but compare all your other friends to him. Or when you’re at an extended family gathering and both your grandads are there and even though you respect both of them, you clearly prefer one over the other.
But it’s not just that.
We can all agree that right after Pope Francis says something, articles, Youtube videos, and blog posts immediately appear trying to explain what he just said. It’s like he’s the relative that, whenever he speaks, we wonder if we heard correctly.
We’re all trying to interpret, clarify, justify or put our own spin on his statements.
It can be frustrating trying to make sense of it all.
What’s My Line: the Pope Francis Edition is really trendy right now and everyone from the stay-at-home mom blogger to Fr. Z has jumped on the bandwagon.
I’m not criticizing Pope Francis.
He is who he is, tempered by life as he knows it, and to give him his due, he is the Holy Father of a church family of 1.2 billion people with diverse ideas, experiences, attitudes, and personalities.
Like all extended families, there will always be tension and misunderstandings and he’s trying his best to steer the barque of Peter through some pretty rough seas while the rest of us quarrel.
I wouldn’t want to be in his [not red] shoes. Would you?
A major part of my discomfort is the bickering that his statements cause among the Catholic family.
My perception is that of a line drawn between those who are head-over-heels in love with him and those of us who are not as enthusiastic.
I’ve read articles, commentaries and Facebook posts that maintain a civilized, grown-up tone while debating his latest speeches and interviews. But then there are the comments that are less reasonable and seem to be on the attack, whether for or against Pope Francis.
The worst ones are the rants and responses that clearly show a lack of basic understanding of Catholic doctrine and teachings.
They are the ones that are impossible to discuss. They do the most harm and drive a wedge between family members.
I know I’m rambling but I’m sure I’m not alone in my thinking. Continue reading
Image: Progress
Additional readingNews category: Analysis and Comment.
