[livius]

I was actually in Rome for Palm Sunday (I’m on Malta right now and will be here for Holy Week and Easter) and I saw Pope Francis. He did a great job at the mass and preached a wonderful homily, which I actually understood because he speaks Italian with a Latin American Spanish accent. It was very inspiring and we all went out ready to missionize the world!

Then I saw all sorts of stupid posts about the fact that Francis had another priest sing at the Elevation and that he didn’t genuflect. He didn’t sing because he can’t - he has only one lung, having had to have the other one removed as a teenager; and he doesn’t kneel at the altar because he can’t necessarily get up again. Notice that his assistants have to help him up and down the steps of the altar.

Why in the world are people so eager to read base motives into everything he does?

[Tax-chick]

Why in the world are people so eager to read base motives into everything he does?

I'm jealous (in a happy-for-you way) of your being there in the middle of ancient history and important real-time events. Anoreth and I would love to visit Malta, in the footsteps of dear General Patton!

[Tax-chick]

(My #63 was kind of a nonsequitur, wasn’t it?)

As to your question, which I quoted but didn’t answer, people have all kinds of agendas, into which they will obsessively fit every action or statement of the Pope’s. It’s nothing to do with him: he’s just a cutout, as it were, that they’re placing into their fixed views of the Church and the world.

Pope Francis is obviously an intelligent man and a highly competent and experienced administrator. If he thinks this choice of residence is the best option for him at this time, who is in a position to say he’s wrong?

[ELS]

Why in the world are people so eager to read base motives into everything he does?

Are you saying that you think I am doing that? I was only pointing out that no money is saved and that it is probably less safe for him to stay at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. You may disagree, but that doesn't mean I am questioning his motives or not giving him the benefit of the doubt.

[nanetteclaret]

You did not address the fact that the Pope will be living in an apartment building with a lot of other people who will be subject to the security problems which surround him. If pointing out that I think that is selfish of him to do that to the other people in his apartment, I am sorry. Maybe it is a “base motive,” but no one has effectively explained how the other people in his building will not be affected by this. He is not merely our Holy Father, he is the head of the Vatican State, and as such will have the security necessary for this position. There is no way this will not affect the other people living in his building. Think how you would feel if the governor of your state moved in next door to you - while he was still governor! Your life would change, whether you wanted it to, or not. He is doing the same thing to these people, who were just living quietly and now all of a sudden the Head of the Vatican State will be next door, down the hall, or upstairs. Will there be security check points every time they ride the elevator? Will their grocery bags have to be inspected? These are the things that I’m talking about.

[NYer]

I’m on Malta right now and will be here for Holy Week and Easter

Wow! The largest christian sect in Malta is the Maronite Catholic Church! You could not have picked a better time to experience the rich and profoundly moving liturgies of Passion Week. You can read about them here. All 4 Gospels of Christ's passion are read on Good Friday. There is also a funeral. Don't miss this!

[mlizzy]

I’m on Malta right now and will be here for Holy Week and Easter

Just heard from my good habiba [friend] who lives in "mighty" Malta:

Election went the way I didn’t want it to go! A difference of 36000 votes, which is big for Malta. Anyway, we were expecting it...

Too bad on that score and also the prior legalization of divorce (which you've already mentioned). Here's a photo of an Adoration Chapel my friend's aunt takes care of in Malta. Maybe you'll see it! Enjoy your stay. What I wouldn't give to be able to be there. :)

Prayers of Preca...

[don-o]

Then I saw all sorts of stupid posts

Which is business as usual all too often. It takes a really interesting subject, like this, for me to even read a thread any more. Only then will I slog through the boring and predictable morass in hopes of finding good posting like yours and a precious few others.