6 Reasons I Love the New Pope!

1. A pope from the Americas. (¡Que viva la Virgen de Guadalupe!)

2. A doctrinal Darth Vader. (Thank you Lord Jesus for guiding your Church! And for having mercy on us to give us a faithful pope!)
3. Humility. (Wow...)




I got tears in my eyes as he asked me to pray for him from the balcony. Never have I felt the power of a live event like that. To be able to participate like that was astounding and humbling. And it showed the power of modern communications when used rightly. I will also try to get the plenary indulgence which he offered. If you were watching, you can receive it if you meet the other standard conditions for indulgences.


4. The RadTrads and the liberals both can't stand him. A sure sign he will be just like Jesus in his ministry! As a side note, after reading the filth from the "Traditionalist" blogoshere today, I am forever done entertaining them as anything but a drag on Holy Mother Church. Some of the vile things I saw in the comment box on Rorate Caeli will forever scar my mind.

5. St. Ignatius of Antioch reference. Pope Francis made reference to one of my favorite saints, St. Ignatius of Antioch (d. 107AD), who when writing to the church at Rome (In 107AD), called it the "Church which presides in love":
"And now let us begin this journey, the Bishop and people, this journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches, a journey of brotherhood in love, of mutual trust. Let us always pray for one another. Let us pray for the whole world that there might be a great sense of brotherhood. My hope is that this journey of the Church that we begin today, together with help of my Cardinal Vicar, be fruitful for the evangelization of this beautiful city."
How cool that this pope is not afraid to immediately point to the apostolic origin of his office, and the necessity of it to maintain Christian unity. Did I mention St. Ignatius said that in 107AD? Do you realize how insanely early in Christian history that is? Anyway, I digress.


6. Francis!? So cool. I have wondered since I became Catholic why no popes ever used the name. Such a great saint, and such a good saint to relate to the world at large. Not that the Church can ever become like the world in order to reach it, but when the Church has heroes within her bosom which the world loves, such as Francis of Assisi or Teresa of Calcutta, why not flaunt what we have, and invite the world to come to the font of life which is Christ through His Church?

St. Francis receives the stigmata.

If they love Francis, they should love the Church which he loved, and the pope which he faithfully served. Humility comes through obedience and service. And this is why the reformation of Francis was successful and maintained the unity of Christ's church, while that of the Protestants created divisions and heresies too numerous to name, and which persist and grow to this day.

On a personal note, my wife and I named our son Francis. He died shortly after his birth this past November. When I heard the name announced (I heard it after I heard the name of the cardinal) I was hit with a brick in the chest. I am not superstitious, but I like to think there is some small connection here.
 And I pray that my son Francis (who I baptized at the time of birth) will intercede for this pope from his place in glory.

Another connection is my own mother as well who is joining the One, Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church this Easter. She decided months ago to take the confirmation name Francis (with 'I' not 'E'). So this pontiff will be very special to her to and have special significance.

WoooHoooo! A great day to be Catholic!