Today's MOZEN: To Be Like Francis

Words and photo by F LoBuono

It is a well established fact that I do not practice ANY formal religion. I was raised a Roman Catholic and attended a Parochial school for nine years (K-8). I have also studied comparative religions and feel that I am fairly well versed in most of the world's so-called great faiths. However, I don't really subscribe to one as greater than any other. Still, I consider myself a spiritual person who is always looking for the path to a more righteous and compassionate life.

Part of that investigation involves searching for teachers and mentors who may help to light the way. And, since my journey is broadly based, I find them in many cultures and religious practices. The Dali Lama is certainly one. He preaches and lives by a code of tolerance and compassion that we can all learn from. I certainly aspire to be as he is. Another shinning example of showing us the way by practicing what he preaches is Pope Francis I.

As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, I was raised a Roman Catholic. However, I have not actively practiced that religion in many, many years. To say I have lapsed would be an understatement. So, I have no affinity for this man simply because he is Pope. In fact, since I generally eschew formal religion, his title would normally have an adverse affect on my thinking.

But, this man is different.

He has rejected the trappings of his lofty position to live as a true priest, i.e. a humble servant of both man and the god he worships. He has no fear for his personal well-being or for dismissing the dogma that has kept the Church out of touch with the common person for centuries. His humility and honesty is palpable. When he wades into the crowds of adoring onlookers he touches them in every sense of the word. He makes a connection with each and every person in the crowd, even if there are tens of thousands. People feel as if he is there for everyone one of them. And, in a sense, he is. In my mind, Pope Francis I is a transcendent figure. He is the right man, in the right place, at the right time.

I was very fortunate to be in Rome to cover his election as Pope. I remember that night well. His name was mentioned as a possible candidate but he was still far from bring considered a front-runner. So, his election came as somewhat of a surprise. Still, at the same time, there was a feeling of optimism from the very beginning that this outsider might just be the man needed to lift a flagging Church. He had a reputation as a man of the people and a free thinker. So far, he has NOT disappointed.

Recently, I was again fortunate to be in his presence. During his recent historic tour of the United States, I was assigned to cover the portion of his trip in Washington, D.C. While there, in addition to celebrating a high profile mass, he addressed a rare joint session of Congress where he preached his message of love, tolerance, and compassion, especially for those less fortunate. Of course, as a matter of protocol, the Pope was invited to join Congress for a lavish lunch. And, as a matter of practice, Pope Francis I refused, preferring to serve lunch to the homeless at a local shelter. This is TRULY a man of the people. Everywhere he went, throngs of people lined the streets to just get a glimpse. When he left his motorcade and wadded into the crowds (which he did/does often) the connection between him and his flock was unmistakable. He gives love and it is lavishly returned. He left people feeling better about themselves and their future. All they need do is live with love. What a simple and beautiful message. And, it is a universal one. Even some of my Jewish friends joked that, after hearing his sermon, they were now Catholic, too!

The Pontiff arrives to say Mass in Washington, D.C.

Still, with that said, if we don't truly learn from the Pontiff's example, and PRACTICE it, what will he have truly accomplished?

From my observation, there are more desperate, homeless people in D.C. than I have ever seen before. I had worked the Washington beat for years and am fairly familiar with the city. I was always amazed (and saddened) by the amount of poverty that exists within sight of both the Capitol and the White House. Washington, like many other big cities, deals with its share of social strife. But, this time, it seemed worse - much worse. The homeless shelters that exist in the shadow of the Capitol were bursting at the seems with the overflow spilling out into the streets. These people were desperately poor. I saw a woman sleeping on a doorstep who was literally wearing little more than rags. She had no shoes - only worn socks covered her swollen feet. And, it's not just the shelters that are filled to capacity. Now, hungry, destitute people approach you for money on almost every street corner. I surely would like to help but I could not possibly aid these people one at a time. If I did, I would have had no money left by the time I walked from my hotel to my place of work.

In the days after Francis' visit, the situation on the streets had not changed. Hungry people still begged on many street corners. The homeless shelters were still filled to over-flowing. It was as if the Pope had never REALLY been there. Now, realistically, no one could (or should) expect things to change overnight. Poverty in America has been a reality for centuries and it will not simply disappear with the appearance of any man - even a most extraordinary one. That will take commitment. We have to WANT to end poverty and, then, we must act upon it. To do this we must elect officials who are committed, as policy, to eradicating hunger and deprivation in our lifetime.

Francis I, like many others, has been sent (literally) to show us that we need not be afraid to love - to love even the most decrepit among us. His genuine concern for those with the least is palpable. I have been there. I have felt it. But, if we can don't ACT to change it, it simply won't happen and we are condemned to repeat the cycle of poverty. There are those who will say the Pontiff's message was all about rhetoric - that it was long on feeling and short on substance. Sure, everyone WANTS to end hunger. Everyone WANTS to be more compassionate to immigrants. But, HOW do we accomplish this? Well, it starts with the right message from the right person at the right time. We have that in Francis. Let's build on the momentum he created.

We only lack the will . . .