Posted on 03/16/2013 5:22:07 AM PDT by markomalley
(Vatican Radio) Addressing the media as “dear friends”, Pope Francis spoke of how the role of mass media continues to grow and how it is indispensible for telling the stories of contemporary society. The Pope thanked the media for the service they have rendered over these past days, jokingly remarking on how hard the media has been working. He spoke about the complexity of recounting historical events like the election of a pope and of how important it is to present such an event in the light of Faith. “The Church” – he said – “does not respond to an earthly logic” and can be difficult to communicate effectively because “the nature of the Church is spiritual, not political”. This is the only perspective in which the work of the Church can be presented, said Pope Francis.
“Christ”, he continued, “is the centre, not the Successor of Peter…Christ is the reference point at the heart of the Church, without Him, Peter and the Church would not exist”. The protagonist of all these events, said the Pope, is the Holy Spirit: “it was He who inspired the decision of Benedict XVI for the good of the Church, it was He who inspired the choice of the Cardinals”. It is important to keep this in mind, he added, as we try to interpret the events of the past few days.
Pope Francis then reflected on what he called the “trinity of communication: Truth, Goodness and Beauty”. “We are not called to communicate ourselves, but this trinity…the Church exists to communicate Truth, Goodness and Beauty”.
The Pope then departed from his prepared speech to recount why he chose the name “Francis”. Some people, he said, still don’t understand whether he named himself after Francis Xavier or Francis De Sales or St Francis of Assisi. He described how, during the conclave, he was seated beside the Archbishop Emeritus of Sao Paolo and Cardinal Claudio Hummes, a close friend of his. “When the matter became dangerous” – said Pope Francis – “he comforted me”. And when the votes were being counted and it was clear the Pope had been elected, the Cardinals began to applaud and Cardinal Hummes “embraced me and kissed me and said: ‘Don’t forget the poor’…and that struck me…the poor…Immediately I thought of St Francis of Assisi…Francis was a man of peace, a man of poverty, a man who loved and protected creation.” That, said Pope Francis, is how the name came to mind. “How I would love a Church that is poor and for the poor” – he added.
The Pope then continued his account of the name choice by saying how some had suggested he take the name Pope Adrian, because of his association with reforming the Church. And in reference to the fact that he is a Jesuit, the Pope added how others said he should call himself Clement XV to get back at Clement XIV who suppressed the Society of Jesus in 1773…
Pope Francis concluded his encounter with representatives of mass media from all round the world by extending his best wishes to them, their work and their families.
He imparted his apostolic blessing, however, in silence – out of respect, he said, for the fact that “not everyone present belongs to the Catholic faith and others do not believe.” “I respect the conscience of each one of you”, he said, “knowing that each one of you is a Child of God.
May God bless you”.
He did bring out an important point, though: “The Church” – he said – “does not respond to an earthly logic” and can be difficult to communicate effectively because “the nature of the Church is spiritual, not political”. This is the only perspective in which the work of the Church can be presented, said Pope Francis.
Hopefully, events can be interpreted in that light by all of us (well, at least those of us who are Catholic).
I liked his sense of humor shown here...the alternatives: Adrian VI or Clement XV. ROFL.
“When the matter became dangerous”I luvvvv his sense of humor. :) Prayers for Pope Francis. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Mary.
**That, said Pope Francis, is how the name came to mind. “How I would love a Church that is poor and for the poor” – he added.**
Settled.
The Pope’s main mission is not to support the poor!
When the news first came out, I remember there was someone on the news shows (not a commentator, but a priest) that said, ‘If he was referring to Francis Xavier, he would have used the name Francis Xavier! He’s referring to Assisi.’
Guess the man knew what he was talking about.
His main mission is not to support the poor, but it looks like it could be his personal favorite. I don’t think his notion of “support” is fully fleshed out, but I think he has made it clear that the Church is not the same thing as a charity organization, and that Christ is his focus.
I don't see a quote here suggesting that it is.
Having said that, though, he has, while Archbishop of Buenos Aires, called for a conversion of heart to reduce poverty rather than for government assistance.
And that is correct.
For example:
Cardinal Bergoglio said the challenge to eradicate poverty could not be truthfully met as long as the poor continue to be dependents of the State. The government and other organizations should instead work to create the social conditions that will promote and protect the rights of the poor and enable them to be the builders of their own future, he explained.
Amid Argentina's financial crisis in 2002, then Cardinal Bergoglio offered a sermon in Buenos Aires in which he declared "To those who are now promising to fix all your problems, I say, 'Go and fix yourself.' . . . Have a change of heart. Get to confession, before you need it even more!"
Interrupted by applause, the cardinal added, "The current crisis will not be improved by magicians from outside the country and nor will [improvement] come from the golden mouth of our politicians, so accustomed to making incredible promises."
As far as poverty, consider the Beatitude. Consider the parable of the rich young man (Matt 19:16ff). Consider the acts of the early Church (Acts 4:32ff).
In none of those examples was government or legal compulsion used. Just moral compulsion. That's the difference between Christian charity and socialism. One is voluntary and is from the heart. One is not.
People who are too attached to their possessions are in for a little surprise come the judgment.
If that is what he means by a "church that is poor", then he is 100% spot on.
Yes, I know the Pope is pro-life and such, but of course he is pro-life - he is the Pope.
I just feel that even if the Pope is as holy as St. Francis, he is still not the right man for the job. We need a drill instructor that will be tough as nails with dissenters, not a pastoral person who is always smiling and friendly.
Wow! Very impressive. Looks like a great pope.
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