By Matthew Patrick, Columnist
I am not Catholic, but the pomp and circumstance involved in the election of the new pope enthralls me.
Not many traditions have so long endured our ever-changing culture that always demands things to be done in a new way.
However, always clinging to tradition has held back the Catholic Church from adapting properly to be relevant to our current culture.
Pope John Paul II did so much to advance the Catholic Church in the world. After he died, the Church elected Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI.
Benedict XVI struggled to handle the many sex abuse scandals that gave the Catholic Church a lot of bad press.
Benedict XVI also took a few steps back by further separating Catholicism from Protestantism. Benedict XVI believed that all Protestant baptisms were invalid.
Benedict XVI stepping down certainly was an interesting move.
The Catholic Church needed a new face and they got one in Cardinal Jorge Bergolio of Argentina.
Bergolio took the name Francis I after Saint Francis of Assisi. As the Catholic monk famously said: “Preach the gospel at all time, and when necessary, use words.”
I hope this quote becomes a motto for the new pope’s leadership.
Francis I took the name of Assisi because of he emphasizes reaching out to the “least of these” in our society. As a United Methodist, I emphasize reaching out to the poor.
I welcome the new pope with open arms. I am immensely excited about the possibilities and doors that have been opened by this new selection.
Francis I washed the feet of AIDS patients in the streets of Buenos Aires. He gave up the luxurious things of his life to live more modestly.
Francis I is the real deal. This is a huge step forward for the Catholic Church and the 1.2 billion members who will look to his spiritual leadership.
As we march together towards the future, I urge students of all faiths to welcome the pope.
Francis I could have a significantly positive impact on the Catholic Church and subsequently, make the world a better place.
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