The College of Cardinals is sequestered and are beginning their work of choosing the 267th Pope who will lead the Catholic Church. Now the faithful and the curious are looking at a chimney that is coming out of the Sistine Chapel. They have had one vote and that chimney was blowing black smoke, meaning they have more votes to come. It will be interesting to see who they select. Right now, God only knows.
Today is the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City. He will be very much missed by Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
I am not Catholic, but I am a fan of The Pope and the Catholic Church. Pope Francis was priest of the people. He focused his ministry on taking care of people on the margins, the migrants, the LGBTQ person and importantly the poor. The church universal should use Francis’ example of being on the streets, ministering to the hearts and souls of people who need it most. The Catholic Church needs to continue on the track of what Francis did during his papacy. Rest in power, Pope Francis.
These days there is a lot of poverty in the world, and that’s a scandal when we have so many riches and resources to give to everyone. We all have to think about how we can become a little poorer.
Pope Francis
Pope Francis, the Bishop of Rome and spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, passed away on April 21st, Easter Monday, from a stroke and heart failure. Earlier, he had been in the hospital for pneumonia. He was 88 years old. For 12 years he was Pope, and he made all those years count.
He was a Pope of the people. In his ministry he reached out to the marginalized, the immigrant, the LGBTQ community and was deeply concerned about issues of the environment and climate. Peace in Ukraine and Gaza were always on his heart and mind. He was more pastoral than some of his predecessors.
Francis, who was from Argentina, was the first Latin-America Pope ever. His life was about service and being humble. In his time at the Vatican, he lived frugally and without the bells and whistles of his office. Was he perfect, no.
He worked hard and practiced the command to love thy neighbors, and he made strides in bringing people of all walks of life together. I liked that he wanted to build bridges, not walls. He seemed to believe in building a bigger tent and to show mercy. He visited prisons, washed feet, and emulated Jesus Christ as best as he could.
His faith practice was at odds with some in the Catholic Church, but he was all about making the world a better place, no matter what his critics would say. All I can say is well done, good and faithful servant. Rest in power. You will be missed.
For many in the Christian community today begins the season of Lent. This 40 days before Easter is a time for self reflection, penitence, forgiveness and thinking of ones life and mortality. Pope Francis offers this list of things one can do to observe and participate in during this season. Everyone should find something they can do from this list.
The Coronavirus pandemic began right before Lent of 2020 so it seems the season never stopped. There has been much sacrifice and loss in these days and thinking about this time in life and history giving up something isn’t what people really want to do.
Lent can be for everyone. There are universal themes that believers and non-believers can latch on to. No matter how this season of life finds you may you be encouraged, strengthened and cared for.
As a believer, I am in favor of LGBTQ marriage. Pope Francis is taking a step of faith and courage to call for civil unions. This is a step in a positive direction where people who love one another can create a loving, caring union that benefits the world.
Love is indeed love!
The Tony Burgess Blog 