Pope Francis (and Holy Week)

As a grad student I'm sure you pay attention to current events. The biggest news story a couple weeks ago was the retirement of Pope Benedict and the election of Pope Francis. Pope Benedict's retirement was certainly a shocker: the last time a Pope needed a 401k was in 1415.

It's certainly a precedent-breaker, but it is theologically sound. Popes have done it in the past, and there's no specific Catholic tradition that forbids it. It's not a sign of weakness either. He was in ailing health, and God was simply calling Pope Benedict to a different life. If anything it's a testament to our former Pope's humility.

In other words, none of the recent events are reasons to doubt the authority and tradition of the Catholic Church. I assure you that everything is going on swimmingly.

Pope Francis election is pretty earth-shattering too. First of all, no Pope has ever chosen the name Francis. His name represents humility and simplicity. There's a lot to like about this guy.


He also happens to be the first South American Pope, as well as the first Jesuit to hold down the throne of St. Peter (WE ARE *clap clap* SJ).

Pope Francis's election comes just in time for the most important week of the Catholic calendar: Holy Week!
This marks the week and all the events leading up to Jesus's Passion, Death and Resurrection, which ultimately has saved us. This is about as busy as his office will get in a normal year.

I feel like a grad student such as yourself can really relate to Pope Francis's message. I hope this fact will help in your discernment of Faith.

-Shoe

Works Cited:
(for image) "Pope Francis- in Pictures." The Gaurdian, 13 Mar. 2013. Web. 7 Apr. 2013. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/gallery/2013/mar/13/pope-francis-life-in-pictures>.