the retired Pope Benedict.
Whoever holds the papal seat holds my interest.
My entire family has been watching the pope selection process. My son and I watched together online today. Chatting back and forth, excited, wondering who the cardinals would choose.
My grandmother used to say - “As the pope goes, so go the Jews.”
It’s something innate, residing deep in our bones. It’s been like this for nearly 2000 years. We care who sits in that seat. (Especially me, a closet Catholic.)
Without any sort of plan or joint communique or any coordination whatsoever, my family came together today to hold our collective breaths and pray all would be well with the new pope.
My mother - “The pope broke into my show. (The Young and the Restless) That kind of annoyed me. But he’s from the Americas, that’s a good thing. He took the name Francis. That’s a good name, don’t you think? He must care about animals. He’s got a big job ahead of him. Did you see all the people there with the umbrellas?”
My father - “I woulda picked this guy. You know I was a contender for pope but they keep passing me up. I woulda had to have my virginity restored and I understand that’s very painful.”
My sister - “I hope it’s not the guy from Uruguay.”
My husband - “According to NPR they chose an egalitarian pope, a humble pope.”
My older daughter - “Why am I glued to the television?”
My younger daughter - “Is it a little weird to be oddly happy about the new pope?”
My son and I chatted for an hour on g-chat while awaiting the announcement after seeing the white smoke from the chimney.
My son - “The Quebec guy, Ouellet, is my favorite. He’s an historian and he understands the historic role of the pope. I had to explain to Zach why a new pope is as important to Jews as he is to Catholics.”
Me - “I know. It’s such a weird thing. We’re so co-dependent.”
My son - “I told him that generations of Jews waiting for the pope to either condemn us or save us makes us really interested in who he is. Listen, I have to get my dog out for a walk. Text me as soon as they make an announcement.”
So I kept watching. I texted him - Jorge Mario Bergoglio.
He texted back - Who? Damn I wanted the Canadian.
Me - The Argentinian.
My son - What name did he choose?
Me - Francis.
My son - Francis? Has there ever been a Francis? Francis I?
Me - Yeah. Francis I.
My son - Send me his wikipedia page.
Me - Sent.
Son - Seems pretty standard, albeit slightly socialist.
Me - Oh good. I can relax.
From the Jerusalem Post: Jewish leaders have hope in election of new Pope.
There’s something about that papal seat that is inextricably bound to the fate of the Jewish people. Yeah, I know we’re the elder of the two siblings and our relationship has been rocky over the centuries but I agree with my grandmother - “As the pope goes, so go the Jews.”
Francis I
Dear Pope Francis I, live long and prosper.
Well, I found that fascinating, the Jew/Catholic bit. I would not have thought of the connection, but of course, it’s historically true.
Me - I was hoping they’d pick somebody who wasn’t stuck in the 16th century. Not that I’m a believer (of any sort) but a lot of good people are, and stupid laws about women and sex don’t help anybody.
Whatever. Francis is a good name - a departure. Let’s hope he makes a few other departures from the canon.
It is an interesting phenomenon, Greta and Francis is an interesting choice.
I was surprised how much I cared about the election of this Pope. My father and much of my family are devote Catholics, so white smoke was big news that lured everyone away from work. I have to say the decision felt really good, as if someone hit the refresh button. I actually found myself crying with relief because my family was crying with joy. It’s hard to say what happened today, but some sort of subtle rebalancing took place.
Profound, Kat. I know exactly what you mean. Benedict’s election did not have the same impact. This feels very different. And for all my kids to notice… Yeah. A shift in energy. Maybe this is a little premature but it seems to be a positive shift.
I was glued to the television yesterday. It brought me to tears when the Pope was announced. I can’t explain why it had such a profound affect on me, but it did. I believe this will be a positive for everyone.
I know, Amber, me too! How interesting.
An interesting perspective, Julia! I’m born and bred Baptist, but I, too, watched to see who would be chosen. For better-or worse-I believe the Pope has great influence on the outer world. I feel positive about this man. I hope his influence will be positive.
The other guys on the playground seem to like him. As a woman I care about who he is. Patricia Highsmith wrote a great story about a fictitious Pope a while back. It has stuck with me. In it the Pop stubs his toe and it is so painful that it changes his perspective. He becomes more understanding of the plight of women and women in poverty in Catholic countries who cannot obtain legal birth control. Now THAT would be a step forward into the last century for the new pontiff. I have hope in that he was originally a chemist. (what if he rigged the smoke to be white using his chemistry set?)
Oh, and I liked that he got on the bus with the Cardinals and stood with them. Very humble. From Argentina but with Italian parents.
I think he’s great, Steph. I’m going to give him a lot of leeway to form his agenda.
Isn’t it interesting, Anny- how many of us were paying attention?
Very interesting about the Catholic/Jewish connection. I wish Francis I well. I think he has a lot of cleaning up to do.
Yes he does, Stephanie. I think he’s off to a good start! Definitely less pomp!
Your dad’s a hoot:) I don’t follow it that closely, but so far I like what I’ve heard about him.