The Pope

It was very ironic for me to give big accolades to Pope Francis this week, because over the weekend I commented to German that I didn't see what the big deal about The Pope was. I fully understand that the role has great historic significance, and I believe whoever is in that role should certainly be honored. But to me, they should be no more important than any leader at the helm of a church. There's a good chance I don't understand this because I'm not Catholic. Fair enough. But (note to newscasters everywhere) I care more about the economy, the wars we are fighting and security than I do about what the Pope is doing. Just saying.

All that being said, whoever is in the role of Pope is absolutely considered a religious leader and what he says and does reflects on all of Christianity, not just Catholics. And in that vein I would like to thakn Pope Francis for setting an amazing example and representing the Christian faith in a kind, loving and generous way. (I'm sure he's been sitting on the edge of his seat waiting for that from me...)

This quote by him last weekend floored me. Completely. I have an incredible amount of respect for anyone in a leadership position willing to make such a statement in the religious environment of the world today. I read an article by someone stating he didn't do that much because the catholic church still condemned homosexuality and  no real change had been made. Noted and accepted. That is a true statement. But for the first time, someone in a position of authority in the church is reminding us to love, not judge. That it isn't our place to condemn anyone. And that above all we are here to do our best to be flawed reflections of Jesus- Jesus who never openly condemned anyone but religious zealots.

So thanks to the Pope for reminding us who we are supposed to be in Christ. I am willing to bet we won't see the leadership of the Baptist, Presbyterian, Lutheran or even my beloved Methodist churches do anything so brave and truthful anytime soon.