Thursday, September 24, 2015

Raised In A Southern Baptist House, A Girl Talks About Popes

The first Pope I remember is Paul VI:
I remember his as small, thin and "pointy."  He had become Pope when I was 3, and was in "office" until 1978.  I'm sure we watched his funeral, as my mother loved pomp and ceremony.  

I remember the election of John Paul I, because I was old enough (18) to watch/realize what was going on.
I thought, at the time, that Pope John Paul had done a remarkable thing in choosing his name.  I also felt he had a kind and calming face.

John Paul's death was startling.  I recall senses of turmoil and disbelief and worry.  The next Pope, however, ameliorated all of that, almost immediately.
John Paul II smiled.  He had charisma.  And, possibly my favorite thing about him, he wore a watch.  Honestly, now --- who thinks about the Pope having to check the time?  It seems like there would be a Cardinal of Time, am I right?  And he skiied.  Very unlike the two Popes of my memory.

And now, the first Pope that is going to be seared into my children's memories.

I don't know how many more Holy Fathers I will get to see, but this one has sunken deep into my heart.  He seems more human than those before him.  Or something;  I can't really get the words right.  But, he wears a watch, too, and he gives us moments like this:

3 comments:

Lora said...

I just about cried when Pope Francis was elected. I never warmed to Pope Benedict XVI and was happy to see him hi to ( oh the sacrilege since I am Catholic). And Francis is a Jesuit which pleases me no end. I need/want him in office for a long, long time.

Bridget said...

The first pope in my memory was John XXIII, and though I was just a little girl, I knew he was really special. Paul VI annoyed me. John Paul I had possibilities, but sadly never got a chance. I never liked John Paul II (I know, the only person in the universe who didn't like him!). I called Pope Benedict "Pope Adolf."

Pope Francis is a different story altogether. And having gone to Jesuit schools, I say YES!!

A friend of mine recently said about Francis: "He has restored my faith in my faith." I think that says it all.

kathy b said...

Im enamored with him. I cried watching the 9/11 service today with him present. I'd love to see him in person and the Dali Lama too. Men and women of faith are a gift to us all. Fun post

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