I love being Catholic. For lots of reasons, but especially because of Blessed John Paul II and Pope Benedict.
I think God knew how dark these times would be, including within many parts of the Church (think of the clergy sexual abuse scandal), and so he raised up great popes for us. (Just read Pope Benedict’s recent words in Dublin.)
When people denigrate the papacy and the Catholic Church, I realize they have no idea who JPII and BXVI are. They have no idea of the paternal and filial love these men have for their flock, for all people in the world, and how much they both love Jesus Christ.
They have no idea what these men have written in their books, interviews, encyclicals, and exhortations. They do not realize the depth of wisdom, faith, humility, and hope in Christ that these men have had.
Neither man is perfect. JPII was conned by a man named Maciel, to the great hurt of many. Certain decisions regarding episcopal appointments could probably have been made better. But it is not my place to criticize here, playing armchair pope with 20/20 hindsight.
God knew that we needed beacons of light on St. Peter’s chair, so that Catholics could see that, though many in the Church have acted faithlessly or selfishly, the pope has not. That Christ’s steward here on Earth was a man of kindness and love. Things would be much, much worse if we had an Alexander VI on the chair.
Both John Paul II and Benedict have seen beyond the darkness of our age and, with redoubtable hope, kindled the love of Christ in our hearts, especially in the hearts of young people. “Be not afraid! Do not give in to mediocrity!”
The very mention of the bishop of Rome is met with scorn and derision from many, even (sadly) among those who are Christians. Yet the man himself, Pope Benedict, stands in refutation to their arguments and claims. A man of faith, hope, and charity. A man who didn’t want to be pope and tried to resign multiple times. The man whom God chose to be the successor of Peter. Deo Gratias.
Today, there’s much to be fearful and discouraged over. But take heart, Christ has overcome the world, and He has given us Pope Benedict as a sign of hope and encouragement to us that His words are true.
I think God does raise up good Popes. I love it when any person proclaims Christ and shepherds the flock in Christ.
We just have a problem with the ‘requirement’ of a Pope, for a person to be a real Christian.
It was a bad Pope (Leo X) that brought all this about for us (the Reformation).
But, we love good Popes, too!
Devin this is SUCH a good post–you succinctly cover both the beauty of these men and do so without ignoring the faults or imperfections of each. Thanks for your good and balanced words.
We have actually had a whole entire century of good Popes ever since Leo XIII and even before that time, but particularly I mention him because he and Blessed John Paul II “bookended” a most difficult century–the 20th. They both brought the Church to Christ through Mary His Mother and also wrote and did so much to point us to our Lord in numerous other ways too. And Pope Benedict carries on this wonderful tradition in his in-depth and yet clear theological insights. And I believe it will continue. If we pray. God bless.
I might add one thing in reference to Steve’s comments. Both Lutheran and Catholic theology teach that the Christian life begins at baptism, and all of the Popes were baptized Christians.
I am not suggesting they all ACTED like Christians…but the life of Faith does rightly start with baptism and I think it would be a mistake to suggest otherwise. I am not saying all Popes, or all Christians for that matter, make it to heaven. As St James tells us, “faith without works is dead.” And some Popes were indeed corrupt but that is not to say the office is, any more than a bad President means we should eliminate the Presidency.
Good comments, Richard.
I agree that the Christian life starts at Baptism. And I agree that works are the natural byproduct of a living faith.
And I think good Popes are terrific and I’m all for them. But I wouldn’t go so far as to say that they are a requirement for the Christian.
So, long live the good ones!
Bravo!
Where did you find that awesome picture?