A new Pope

[JoeWras]

Not a discussion on religion or beliefs. The simple fact is the Pope has an influence on many in this world.

I grew up Catholic, but now am Lutheran and confess about a united catholic (universal) church. But anyway...

I was surprised to see no thread about the new Pope, since there was an R.I.P. thread about the deceased Pope.

It is astounding to me that this Pope was born in the USA. Now, he's a world traveler, so perhaps that's a little dismissed. Still.

When I grew up in Catholic school, the teachers said: "All Popes will be from Rome." The child in me thought: "WTF?" But I accepted it and figured I'd never see a Pope out of Rome. But then we had one from Poland. And, and... What if? But nah, never gonna happen in my lifetime. Put this on the back shelf. ... And then I wake up today.

So this day comes. I think it is fitting that this change occurs while many other changes are occurring. But let's be honest. The world is change. There's always something going on. But still....

... an American Pope? Wow.

 

[euro]

Well, the last Pope was from South America, and the one before from Germany, so it isn't as unusual as it used to be, but yes, I think there was a 450+ year period when they all came from Italy/Rome (although "Italy" was a collection of different places until the 1860-ies, not really one country)

 

[audreyh1]

Francis was the first pope from the Americas, so look at that, 2 in a row!

So what, did the conclave last one day?

 

[Koolau]

I'm happy for those of the Roman Catholic faith. Here's hoping for a uniting force.

 

[joesxm3]

Francis was the first pope from the Americas, so look at that,2 in a row!

So what, did the conclave last one day?

four rounds of voting.

 

[street]

Interesting an American. Not of the Catholic Faith but I attend some of their church services. I am a Christian and I respect their believes and was excited that the New Pope is from America

 

[Out-to-Lunch]

I never thought I would live to see a pope from the US.

I also never thought that there would be a time when the pope knows more math than I do! (I'm a mere physicist.)

 

[wrigley]

I'm a Roman Catholic from Chicago and the Pope is a Chicago native.

 

[wrigley]

Well, the last Pope was from South America, and the one before from Germany, so it isn't as unusual as it used to be, but yes, I think there was a 450+ year period when they all came from Italy/Rome (although "Italy" was a collection of different places until the 1860-ies, not really one country)

In the last few weeks leading up to this I can't recall one article that focused on an American being a front runner. Most of what I read was how long it's been since we had a Pope from Africa was they profiled a few Cardinals from Africa that they felt had a very realistic chance of becoming our next Pope.

 

[JoeWras]

I'm a Roman Catholic from Chicago and the Pope is a Chicago native.

I also grew up in Chicago. My Catholic school teachers were so set on Popes from Rome. They dashed our hopes.

So to have a Pope from the USA, and then Chicago is... beyond anything I thought possible.

This Pope is just a little older than me. It looks like he spent a lot of time on mission in Peru. This is not unusual for Chicago Catholics. My Catholic high school had a lot of kids go on mission to Peru.

The bishop who confirmed me was an underling of Cardinal Cody, who was an institution in Chicago. (I wanted Cardinal Cody!) We always though if someone from the USA would be Pope, it would be Cody or Andrew Greeley. Alas, the Spirit moves in different ways.

In retrospect, no way a communicator like Greeley would be Pope. But, hey, who knows? The Spirit is stirring.

 

[athena53]

The bishop who confirmed me was an underling of Cardinal Cody, who was an institution in Chicago. (I wanted Cardinal Cody!) We always though if someone from the USA would be Pope, it would be Cody or Andrew Greeley. Alas, the Spirit moves in different ways.

I really liked Fr. Greeley- but I think he would have been too liberal to get elected and that's probably why he was never named a Cardinal (or even a Monsignor?). I read a lot of his novels and he was very sympathetic to people wanting to space (or limit) their childbearing and I think he really respected women- including as potential leaders.

I was following the conclave from Vienna and Brussels- just got home last night- and the guy they elected wasn't even on the radar. Amazing that they elected someone that quickly. I'd just watched "Conclave" on the flight over and that was a lot more tangled.

My own background: raised Roman Catholic, 20 years outside of organized religion, Episcopalian since 1992. When I was in Brussels I cried happy tears as I watched the streamed consecration of our new Bishop (Diocese of West Missouri. Both she and the retiring Bishop, a generation apart, are strong, smart women with leadership skills but also very pastoral. I wish the new Pope well but I'm very happy where I am now.

 

[marko]

They've been interviewing his brothers and friends. It was interesting to hear them talk about "Bob".

Too many times, at least for Americans, the previous popes are these mythical personas who materialize with no relatable history.

Speaking of him as "Bob" brings him down to a very human, level. Yes he's the pope but he's very very human. One of us.

 

[friar1610]

The new pope graduated from Villanova U. The NYT says he is a big Villanova basketball fan. I follow the Big East Conference (Villanova’s conference) closely but as you might infer from my avatar, Villanova is not my favorite Big East team. Basketball aside, I wish Leo XIV every success and blessing in his challenging new role.

 

[JoeWras]

They've been interviewing his brothers and friends. It was interesting to hear them talk about "Bob".

Too many times, at least for Americans, the previous popes are these mythical personas who materialize with no relatable history.

Speaking of him as "Bob" brings him down to a very human, level. Yes he's the pope but he's very very human. One of us.

Well Peter was one of us too, maybe even more flawed than most of us. That's how it should be. Holy Father Bob.

 

[Chuckanut]

I was having coffee with friends this morning and the Pope issue came up . We all agreed that there was no way an American would be the next Pope.

What is that saying: Man plans, and God laughs.

The Pope is fluent in 5 languages, plus he studied Mathematics. I have always thought of math as the language of God since math is imbedded in everything that exists in this Universe. Good choice.

 

[Stormy Kromer]

I was born and raised in a Lutheran family and church. I have the utmost respect for theRoman Catholic Church, and my Catholic friends. My Priest buddy and I enjoy fishing and a cold beer, or two. He calls me the "light catholic". I call him "Padre." We are going to the same place, maybe just taking a different road on the path.

I'm happy for the new Pope.

 

[doneat54]

I, too, am a recovering Catholic. New Pope? [mod edit] But if it brings positive change no matter, then it's all good.

 

[TickTock]

I was born and raised in a Lutheran family and church. I have the utmost respect for theRoman Catholic Church, and my Catholic friends. My Priest buddy and I enjoy fishing and a cold beer, or two. He calls me the "light catholic". I call him "Padre." We are going to the same place, maybe just taking a different road on the path.

I have utmost respect for many Catholic friends. For the church itself and some of its doctrine, not so much.

I'd like to think that you and your Priest buddy are indeed going to the same place - but is that true according to official church doctrine?

I know that according to official church doctrine I'm not going to that place. But I like to think that, overall, I'm a good person and a kind and loving God would admit me to the good place.

 

[street]

My granddaughters are being raised Catholic and attend Catholic school. I actually was at the spring music concert tonight at the Catholic Church. They commented on the new Pope.

 

[Koolau]

I'd like to think that you and your Priest buddy are indeed going to the same place - but is that true according to official church doctrine?

I know that according to official church doctrine I'm not going to that place. But I like to think that, overall, I'm a good person and a kind and loving God would admit me to the good place.

Fortunately, men don't decide who goes where.

 

[TickTock]

Fortunately, men don't decide who goes where.

Amen!

 

[target2019]

I, too, am a recovering Catholic. New Pope? [mod edit] But if it brings positive change no matter, then it's all good.

Interesting thoughts.

I got out after 12 years of Catholic school. If someone asks I let them know I was raised Catholic.

 

[donheff]

The Pope confirmed that he is a Sox fan. North siders were spreading the rumor that he was a long time Cubs fan. As an aside, I was interested to see other people talking about Father Andrew Greeley. He was one of our parish priests for several years and taught my catechism class for a while when I was in HS (I went to public schools). Very down to earth guy. He used to shoot hoops with local kids; he was pretty good. My parents became good friends with him and he said mass for them on their 50th anniversary, long after he had left for U Chicago. Greeley wrote several novels featuring kids loosely based on kids from our parish. Best sellers IIRC.

Funny Chicago based cartoons are already circulating. Anyone from Chicago will get this one:

 

[marko]

I'm just trying to imagine a phone call between his two brothers:
Did you hear the news?
About what?
The new pope.
What about it?
It's Bob!!!!

 

[wrigley]

I also grew up in Chicago. My Catholic school teachers were so set on Popes from Rome. They dashed our hopes.

So to have a Pope from the USA, and then Chicago is... beyond anything I thought possible.

This Pope is just a little older than me. It looks like he spent a lot of time on mission in Peru. This is not unusual for Chicago Catholics. My Catholic high school had a lot of kids go on mission to Peru.

The bishop who confirmed me was an underling of Cardinal Cody, who was an institution in Chicago. (I wanted Cardinal Cody!) We always though if someone from the USA would be Pope, it would be Cody or Andrew Greeley. Alas, the Spirit moves in different ways.

In retrospect, no way a communicator like Greeley would be Pope. But, hey, who knows? The Spirit is stirring.

So you are only a couple years older than I am (65). Which Catholic HS did you attend? BTW, the Pope's brother said he was a White Sox fan!