I'm not kidding. This Pope is awesome. His work is steadily re-affirming my admiration for his role in Catholic life.

Some of the people on this board might recall how I thought the selection of the last Pope was terribly unfortunate. I had a few digital fisticuffs with some folks here in the depths of my disappointment. I have to tell you, I am so much more optimistic about where things are going with the strong actions of this new Jesuit Pope. This guy is fantastic. I have been deeply moved by his words and actions in his short time in office-- it has just about erased my doubts from his predecessor.



I have been waiting for these words to be said by ANYBODY. That they come from the Pope of the Catholic Church is stunning and powerful and hopeful. Add to that his embrace of people who have been traditionally ostracized by the Church-- gays, non-believers, young people, Catholics in the Western Hemisphere, etc.-- and... I'm nearly speechless. So proud to have a Jesuit education.

It really has been an amazing few months since Pope Francis was elected. I too have found new pride in my Jesuit roots. I thought this was a nice read.

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2013/07/2 ... he-church/

I like what I see and read ---so far. One thing for sure--the youngsters really like him--by the millions. That is important--very important.

Let us see how he handles the Curia and those Catholics who are abortion righters !!

He must be driving the S American Dictators bonkers.

When he trades in the PopeMobile for a Prius, replaces his Swiss Guards with cheaper Andy Frain ushers, and begins to sell off the Vatican art collection to feed the hungry, then I'll be impressed by his anti-materialist rhetoric..