What a pleasant surprise it was to see on television the
white smoke announcing that the new pope
had been chosen rather quickly and unexpectedly by 115 cardinals from 48 countries all over the
world. More surprises would soon follow: that he is a Jesuit from a third world
country in the Americas; the Archbishop of Buenos Aires in Argentina; a man
marked by simplicity and humility, an evangelical lifestyle; known for his pastoral
approach while modernizing Argentina’s conservative Catholic Church. The name
that he has chosen, Pope Francis, sums up all the attributes that are likely to
make him a charismatic pope for our troubled times.
The 76-year-old erstwhile Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has
chosen his papal name after St Francis of Assisi, the great and popular patron
saint of the environment, well known for his
austerity, who was called to rebuild the Church in his time. The new
pope certainly has the onerous task of rebuilding the Church in our time: the
reforms within the walls of the Vatican and in the universal Church, invigorating
ecumenism, intensifying dialogue with other religions, and reinventing the outreach
of the church to the modern world. As a
Jesuit, he may also be inspired by the outreaching zeal of another Francis who
belonged to his religious order, St Francis Xavier. Both saints, free men as
their name implies, took courageous decisions out of their own freewill to embrace
a new way of life. Both became inspirations to their contemporaries and for
generations thereafter.
There has been a rising expectation for reform within the
bureaucratic curia of the Vatican, a kind of Vatican version of ‘glasnost and
perestroika’. The pope may not be effective in doing it alone, and will have to
do it as a collegial exercise along with other prelates, especially those who
have elected him at this conclave. He will need the prayers of men and women of
goodwill from the universal Church to successfully undertake this difficult
task. It looks like he will be a pope who will exercise his papal ministry in
consultation with the bishops, strengthening the principle of collegiality. He
referred to himself as the bishop of Rome coming from the far ends of the world
while speaking from the balcony at St Peter’s immediately after the election.
The papacy carries with it vast responsibilities and tasks which can be best
performed when all the Church leaders are with the pope. One man can make the
difference, but many men can boost the performance.
He will have to address the issue of sexual abuse by some
among the ecclesiastics. This is a serious issue which has resulted in
alienation among the laity in the western world. Mistakes of the past must be
acknowledged and measures taken to ensure that there is no repetition. This
problem has certainly played on the mind of his predecessor who might have felt
not strong and young enough to tackle it. It is a cross that Pope Francis will
have to bear prayerfully. The Vatican finances may be another problem. But
these are issues that have to be confronted and settled with priority to set a
good example to the world. The Church just can’t afford to have one set of
standards for itself and another for the world.
There is a demand from some quarters for women priests and
married priests. I think that these matters deserve due consideration and
should not be treated as a closed chapter. Celibacy too needs to be revisited.
But these are not urgent demands and the attention given should be with a long
term perspective. However more ministries should be made open to women of
religious orders and to the laity.
It is a considered view that the Church’s stand on abortion
and gay marriages is not on the same level as that on celibacy and women
priests. Every demand from every quarter does not merit similar attention and
consideration. There are teachings which are very sacred and can’t be
compromised. The Church has to stand solid as a rock on these matters, but with
compassion.
The Church needs renewal in some areas and revival in other
areas. This applies to areas of apostolate as well as geographical areas. I
believe that the world needs a revived and renewed Church which will be in
constant dialogue with other religions, organizations and people of good will.
And I believe that the Church needs a strong and charismatic pope who will lead
all its members from the front. Pope Francis, with his simplicity and humility,
has given hope right on day one. His smile and his initial greetings captivated
those who watched him live. He asked the people gathered at the Vatican square
to pray for him as he bowed his head. The Franciscan spirit was visible in the
Jesuit.
Published in The Navhind Times, Panorama 17.03.2013
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