“HABEMUS PAPAM FRANCISCUM” (We have Pope Francis)
After a Latin American Jesuit was elected yesterday, we asked SJB friars what qualities and talents they thought the new Pope should possess. Some talked about their hopes and expectations. Others just wanted to share their elation
Fr. Jeffrey Scheeler, OFM - After five ballots, there is white smoke and “habemus papam.” Probably like most of you, I do not know much about our new Holy Father, except what the media has highlighted so far. I am sure we will be learning much in the coming days. I was already surprised to learn that he lost most of one lung to surgery as a teenager due to an infection! But I find myself filled with hope and expectation at his election. By all accounts Pope Francis is a humble man who loves the poor. As Archbishop, he biked or took the bus and cooked his own meals; he lived in a simple apartment rather than the archbishop’s palace. He taught high school chemistry. A Latino, he comes from the southern hemisphere where there are numerous Catholics. I hope his lived experience of religious life as Jesuit will enrich his new ministry with a sense of collaboration and community. But of course I love his name! It seems to highlight our charism and contribution to the Church at this moment in history. I am happy to see our charism so celebrated in the media. It calls to my mind the mission that our St. Francis received as he prayed before the San Damiano Cross, “Go rebuild my house which is falling into ruin.” No doubt this will be Pope Francis’ mission as well. His name also reminds me of Francis’ advice that we always be ready to “begin again.” Obviously a new pope offers excitement and hope as the whole Church “begins again” with a new leader. We join Pope Francis in the mission of rebuilding God’s house with a re-energized living of our charism today.
Fr. Manuel Viera, OFM - Let us hope that this simple pastoral man is indeed the leader that we need. I was definitely impressed that he asked those present to bless him before he would bless them.
Fr. Larry Zurek, OFM - Wow! He chose the name Francis after our Holy Father, Francis of Assisi. St. Francis, as we know, heard the call from the Lord to rebuild his Church. Perhaps that is why he chose this name, for he sees as his task as rebuilding the Church and strengthening its members in the faith. I hope he will continue the new evangelization that the previous two popes have inaugurated and inspire all of us to a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Br. Dominic Lococo, OFM - I would hope and pray that our new Pope Francis possesses the qualities of his predecessors:
The stamina of Leo XIII
The holiness of St. Pius X
The love of peace that drove Benedict XV
The knowledge of Pius XI
The “simpatico” of John XXIII
The goodness of Paul VI
The smile of John Paul I
The charism of John Paul II
The selflessness of Benedict XVI.
Fr. Jeremy Harrington, OFM - He’s got to be a people person. He’s got to be able to listen so he can be in tune with others. He has to know how to deal with the media and express things in terms people can understand – an evangelist in a way. We live in such a fast-changing world, he’s got to be open to the future.
Br. Roger Lopez, OFM - In a time of sexual turmoil, we need a holy father who is a man respected because of the healing of reconciliation. A pontiff who heralds the power of prayer in an age which bifurcates religion and spirituality. A vicar who desires only to love and honor God in his servanthood to the Church, preaching the loving truths of the Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Fr. David Kobak, OFM - We need someone who does not fear change; a pope who would address clericalism/elitism that seems rampant among many clergy; a pope who would compassionately address growing secularism, showing the people of the world the true beauty and mystery of the Catholic Church.
Fr. Mike Chowning, OFM - The new pope needs to connect with the pain, alienation and frustrations prevalent among Catholics of the world. He needs to sensitively address why the Church appears indifferent to their real felt plight. The rules of the Church can be modified that do not compromise the sacraments and morality; e.g., Communion for those in stable second marriages, women in leadership roles and women deacons. The new pope needs to be able to inspire and appeal to the millions of alienated Catholics around the world who are frustrated with the institutional Church; who have been hurt not only by scandals, but also by clerical arrogance and ignorance of canon law and the rights of the faithful. He needs to be a prayerful, humble listener to the Spirit of God moving in the Church and Faithful; the sensus fidelium belongs to the whole Church. The new pope needs to be a good communicator, independent yet humble, and a good administrator; a strong and insistent voice for peace and justice among the nations, communities, and cultures. The new pope needs to be able to reach out with warmth and invitation to the Eastern Churches and non-Christian religions of the world.
People from around the world at St. Peter's Square
Fr. Mike Lenz, OFM - Great news! I’m happy we have a Pope from the Third World, that’s he’s from a Religious Order, and has taken the name of our founder, St. Francis. I think his papacy will reflect the values of St. Francis.
Br. Colin King, OFM - Here is the prayer I said for Pope Francis when he asked us to pray for him prior to his first blessing: “O Lord Jesus Christ, Supreme Pastor of Your Church, guide Pope Francis so that he may: help rebuild the Church like St. Francis of Assisi; have a missionary zeal for evangelization throughout the entire world like St. Francis Xavier; be a gentle pastor while teaching the faith like St. Francis de Sales.”
The above messages are taken from the SJB News Notes edited by Toni Cashnelli
Posted in: News, Prayer, Saint Francis
