I was sitting in my office debating with myself on the subject of my latest blog when I heard on a Chicago Sports radio show that a new pope had been elected. The commentator said he thought the new pope was an Italian. I immediately turned on the television just in time to see the new Pontiff as he came onto the papal balcony at the Vatican. One of the cardinals, not elected pope, was introducing the new leader of the Catholic Church. He was rattling on in Italian, and I just assumed he would be Italian, and how could I be wrong? I was shocked when a commentator on the network said the new Pope was from Chicago. Like the Cubs winning the World Series shocked me. The new Pope and I were both part of the Diocese of Chicago school system at the same time for a short while. To think I was that close to being elected Pope. If I had known, I would have worked harder on memorizing the Baltimore Catechism.
When I heard that a Chicagoan became pope, important questions jumped into my head. Is he a Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s or Pizzeria Uno pizza fan? The most important thing is whether he is a Cubs or Sox fan. He is from the city’s South Side, but there have been Cubs fans from down there. It can be assumed he is a Bears fan, and we can hope he will excommunicate Packer fans. I’m pretty sure all Packer fans are into devil worship. I think I heard that on Chicago Sports Radio, and they can’t be wrong.
I am a practicing Catholic. I go to church every week. I have stuck with my church through thick and thin and chose not to break away when our church stumbled along the way. I know many former Catholics, and I don’t buy that. Once a Catholic, always a Catholic. This is a great time for the church I choose to worship in. And hopefully for the church worldwide. Pope Leo XIV seems to be a sincere man with peace in his heart. The world could use that. Even though he is just the head of the Catholic Church, he does have the influence that will have world leaders flocking to the Vatican to seek counsel from the leader at the Vatican.
I have already heard that many people in our country are not happy with the selection of this man as pope. These people think holding a grudge and punishing people they perceive as enemies is acceptable. These folks are on the wrong side of history. The man has been Pope for just a few hours. How do they know what he is going to do?
I pray for my new Pope, who will guide us like Christ. I will also pray for Packer fans because we are taught to love our neighbors, even those misguided ones behind the cheddar curtain.
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