Jesus was asleep as the winds tossed the bark and the waves put it in danger of sinking. The disciples were terrified and they called to the Lord (Mark 4:35–41). The wind obeyed His voice, fear vanished and calmness was restored. This image has been with me since the election of Pope Francis. Yes, it came at a very troubled moment for the ‘bark of Peter.’ Tremendous ‘waves’ of sex abuse, rumors of corruption, careerism and inefficiency, of faithful abandoning the Church, of discredit and unbelief…threatened to destroy the credibility and the efficacy of the Church in today’s society. But, at the right time, He is there, restoring calmness. I have no doubt that the election of Cardinal Bergoglio to the papacy was God’s work, and I think that’s why, almost at once, it was perceived by many as the so–much–needed ‘fresh breath of life’ into a seemingly tired Church.
Pope Francis has been bold, not only in his spirit filled words, but in his remarkable deeds. His call for a Church that is “poor and for the poor” was made visible – he refused to move into the Papal Palace, kept his black shoes, forego the red cape popes usually wear, kept the iron–plated pectoral cross he used as archbishop, and his papal fisherman’s ring isn’t gold but gold–plated silver, made from a mold created for Pope Paul VI. Moreover, Francis has bridged the gap – he ditched the bulletproof–glass–enclosed Popemobile and he rides around in an open–air white Mercedes jeep, never afraid of breaking protocol and frequently getting out greeting the crowds. Aren’t all these in sharp contrast with his titles? “His full title is ‘Bishop of Rome, Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church, Patriarch of the West, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City.'” That’s a mouthful when “you are busy telling people you are at their service.” says Peter Stanford in Britain’s The Guardian.
As the enthusiasm of the crowds at St. Peter Square shows no sign of dying down, I am delighted to see that Pope Francis has continually reached out, particularly, to youth, calling them to carry on the faith. In his usual audience, last April 24, he reached out to them: “Are there many young people? Where are they?” – the applause and cheers were thunderous from the youth present at the square. He continued – “Your lives are only just beginning and so I ask you this: Have you thought about the talents God has given you? … how to use them to serve others? … Life was not given to us for us to guard it zealously and keep it to ourselves, but to give it to others… don’t be afraid to dream of great things!” His first trip as pope, not coincidentally, is for the World Youth Day in Brazil.
Pope Francis has found his way to lead the Church by example echoing the words of Gandhi: “You must be the change you wish to see.” I truly share this vision: the renewal starts within – within our own hearts and minds, within our Christian families, within our small Christian communities, our parishes, our clergy assemblies, Bishop conferences, the Roman Curia, and the ‘bark of Peter,’ our family, the Church. Only when renewed from within can we effectively be artisans of a better world.
