“Here Comes Everybody”

Reminding the faithful and the not so, James Joyce, in describing the universality of the Catholic Church, focused on the sweetness of the Church in welcoming the world. In the WSJ, Peggy Noonan focuses on that universality, as the crowd, half of whom were laughing, the other half weeping, responded to the news that a man from Chicago – a Yank – is the new head of the Catholic Church.

A Yank in Rome 

Many of the faithful watching consider Robert Franis Prevost’s choice of name, Leo, a subtle continuation of the new Pope’s general leadership. Ms. Noonan thinks it’s more than that. It may be Leo’s way of “synthesis:” a respect for both people and systems, neither one of which has to compete. Indeed, people and systems can go hand in hand.

It Is a Big Deal 

Onward into history. One of our countrymen has been raised high, a Midwestern boy, a Chicago kid raised to the throne of Peter. Did you ever think you’d see a Yank there? Really?

As the church continues to struggle with ethical and financial problems, the words of Pope Benedict XVI seem appropriate for Leo now:

“The keys entrusted to the successor of Peter are his for only a speck of time, and as steward, the pope is not answerable to the here and now.”

Upon This Rock

The new Pope Leo seems comfortable in his own skin.

The entire point of the papacy, though, isn’t to be Simon, the apostle’s original name, but to be Peter, the name given by Christ when making him the first pope.

Leo appeared admirably comfortable addressing and blessing Urbi et Orbi—the city and the world.

Pope Leo will not be able to solve all the ills of the world. “He can only do his very best, with the help of God, “continues Ms. Noonan.

As the white smoke billowed out, the news to the world, the crowd in St. Peter’s Square showed their affection for the new pope. Half laughing, some crying, the heartfelt crowd illustrated the sweetness of how a pope is picked in the Catholic Church.

“Here comes everybody.”