I am not a religious person but today I found myself swept up in the pomp and circumstance surrounding Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. I was glued to my seat as I watched his plane land on US soil. I was mesmerized as he shook hands with President Obama. I loved watching him greet Sasha and Malia. And I adored him riding around in the Pope-mobile.
Then came his early morning visit with 15,000 Americans in Washington DC . Someone who was on hand at today’s festivities compared the excitement in the air to that of President Obama’s first inauguration. Everyone lined up at 4 am with a common purpose – to see the man at the head of the modern Catholic Church and hear his message. I could feel anticipation through the television so I can only imagine what it was like in person. I found it fascinating watching this traditional religious leader ride around in an open aired Jeep, dressed in traditional regalia while surrounded by Secret Service agents, shaking hands with the crowd while everyone snapped photos with their iphones. All I could think was how this man is caught between two different worlds. His is trapped in a dichotomy between the ancient traditions of the Catholic Church and the progressive lifestyle of its followers.
This morning my son woke up much earlier than he should have and snuggled up with me to watch the Pop
e greet all those who had been inspired by this Papacy. He asked a lot of questions about the Pope but mostly wanted to know why he wears a “funny hat.” I showed him some photos of even “funnier hats” the Pope had donned in the past. I also explained that the Pope’s first language is Spanish, the only other fact he remembered when I questioned him later. But the real lesson I wanted to teach him was that this Pope is different. He embraces change and acceptance. At a moment in history when our country is torn over everything from immigration to abortion, when politicians are constantly lobbing insults and threatening shutdowns, when hate and fear dominate the headlines, I am glad I could share with my son this Pope’s message of love and acceptance.
Whether or not you like his political views I think most of the country is united in their adoration for a man who embodies humility. Last night on CNN we had a Muslim Imam and an expert on Catholicism on our show. Although I am sure they disagree on many things, they both agreed that this Pope is a source of inspiration to people around the world. As our Catholic expert put it, “This is what the Pope wants – Us to be together and share this common humanity on this Earth. Love is his mission.”
Today the Pope said that he is ready to listen to the “hopes and dreams of the American people” and give us guidance. I can only hope that I will be able to embrace this idea in raising my beautiful children. Having been inspired by Pope Francis, I vow to listen to the hopes and dreams of my kids and guide them with love and compassion. Long live the Pope!