Rev. Robert Prevost (aka Pope Leo XIV) was elected pope yesterday in the fourth round of voting. He is the first Augustinian and the first American to be elected. I will admit that I do not know much about him, but I never knew much about any of the new popes who have been elected in my lifetime. The responses I have seen have been mixed; liberal/progressive people think he is mildly conservative, while conservatives see him as liberal. Extreme Maga personality Laura Loomer calls this pope a Marxist puppet who is anti-Trump. I guess that means they did a good job – you can’t please everyone.
I hope, for the sake of Catholics everywhere, that this pope does all he can to follow Jesus. I, and millions like me, don’t have a horse in this race. My interest is purely theological, and I have had the same reaction when a new Dalai Lama was chosen. These people are expected to be wise and caring, but they are only people, just like us. The pope, regardless of who he is, runs a giant church and a city/state, and is pushed and pulled by people who disagree with him every day. This is one reason for what seems to be glacial change in the Catholic church – there are a lot of voices speaking at the same time. It must be maddening. It also must be a blessing.
My job – the pope’s job – a rabbi’s job – any religious leader or person’s job – is to serve God and others. If our true allegiance is to be doing what is good and right for humanity, political views and stresses are meaningless. You might think my writing is political, and sometimes it is – but so was Jesus. It was the political machine that killed Him. Morality and politics are intertwined, and sometimes it will get messy. Unlike MAGA churches, however, I have never supported a politician or party in my church work. Some issues in one party may align with my moral, Jesus-based views, but they do not dictate them. The pope is the same. And that Marxism, Ms. Loomer? That’s Jesus talking. Maybe you should read up on it.
Prayer – Holy God, may this new pope be one more person who does Your work, in spite of those who oppose him. Amen.