By: Mike Specht
Staff Writer
This week, Pope Francis, the popular Pontiff among both Roman Catholics and non-Catholics, will tour the United States.
Ever since the College of Cardinals called upon Jorge Bergoglio to the papacy in March of 2013, people of all creeds and walks of life have been drawn to him.
As Pope Francis continues his U.S. tour today and throughout the weekend, we should be reminded that he is not planning on flipping Church teaching upside down, but rather enforcing it in a deeply pastoral way.
Much of the media has been hung up on one of the Holy Father’s quotes when asked a question in July of 2013 in regards to homosexuality. He simply replied, “Who am I to judge them if they’re seeking the Lord in good faith?” Many people tend to still perceive this statement the wrong way. Pope Francis isn’t changing the aspects of Catholicism that are hot topics these days. While much conversation surrounds the church’s stances on gay marriage, contraception and abortion, these will not be the main points of Pope Francis’ visit.
A key aspect of the Holy Father’s trip to the U.S. is his celebration and reinforcement of the family. On Saturday and Sunday, the Pope will celebrate the Festival of Families, an event that will enforce the importance of the family structure as the building block of society.
He has already spoken several times on the necessity to be proactive with the issue of climate change and environmental destruction. The need to protect the Earth from manmade toxins is so vital that it shouldn’t fall to future generations, Pope Francis said.
Look at his stance on immigration reform. In his address on the White House lawn Wednesday, Francis opened up his speech by stating that he, an Argentina native, is the son of immigrant parents.
According to an article by Reuters.com, Pope Francis said, “A change of attitude towards migrants and refugees is needed on the part of everyone, moving away from the attitudes of defensiveness and fear.”
Clearly, he is in opposition to the current status on immigration laws in the U.S. and is challenging the nation’s leaders to be more welcoming and attentive to those who want to enter the nation.
This idea of welcoming and acceptance has been a central theme of the Holy Father’s entire ministry since 2013. All people deserve God’s love and mercy, regardless of their walk of life. In a very real sense, Francis is calling us all to serve our brothers and sisters.
It’s not a new concept by any means; it’s as old as the Gospels themselves. In a world filled with evils and vices and a growing indifference of religion, Pope Francis is calling us to serve each other.
In the end, whether Catholic or not, the Holy Father plans to spread a loving, peaceful message that many can learn from.
spechtmj12@bonaventure.edu
