Pope Francis spoke to the American people for the first time on Wednesday. I was lucky enough to happen upon his motorcade on my morning commute in D.C., and saw, quite clearly, the holy hand waving and making the sign of the cross to all of us held back by armed guards around the traffic circle.
A bit star-struck after that, I watched the live coverage of the White House ceremony and heard the Holy Father’s remarks, delivered in his charming Argentinian accent, and thought about what I would tell the kids that night.
My children, ages 8 and 9, have asked about the pope’s visit — as in: “What’s the big deal?” — so at least I had a starting point.
We’re not a Catholic family, though our Episcopal tradition, like all Christian arms, owes a big chunk of its history to the Roman Catholic Church. My children, ages 9 and 8, have asked about the pope’s visit — as in: “What’s the big deal?” — so at least I had a starting point.
“Imagine our rector and vicar,” I told them. “He’s the big boss of lots of people like that, all over the world, who run a church similar to our own. But bigger.”
But I’d also like to explain why this pope, who technically isn’t my pope, is an exemplary leader who embodies messages we all need to hear.
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In his White House remarks, Pope Francis implored us to take care of each other and our home. He charges us with helping those who have no power, no voice, and no means. He asks us to mend broken relationships and be tolerant of those with different background and opinions. He encourages humility in all things.
Imagine a world leader who isn’t focused on his own image, or fundraising, or reelection, but one thinking about the well-being of others and future generations?
Related: Why the Pope Chose ‘Francis’
But beyond that, this pope is backing up what he says with actions. He exemplifies humility and eschews possessions and abundance by declining to wear handmade red shoes that his predecessors wore, opting instead for more humble dogs, clearly visible underneath his white flowing cassock when he first arrived in the U.S.
He doesn’t stand for the ceremonial kissing of the ring, his own ring a used one, once owned by a secretary of Pope Paul VI. He wears the same silver cross he’s worn since he held a lower office instead of commissioning a new one from the Vatican’s goldsmith. He turned down the grand papal apartments of the Vatican and lives in sparser digs. He cooks his own meals, and in one of the best lessons for us all, hasn’t watched TV in 25 years.
By speaking out, he focuses the world’s attention on those who suffer the most by give them a voice. And even though many of the Catholic flock are uncomfortable with his decisions to speak out on climate change, he presses on, doing what he believes is right and his moral obligation.
A true leader can’t please everyone, nor should he try.
This pope practices what he preaches, humbly, and so should we all. That’s what I’ll tell my kids.
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