A Choice For Compassion

Pope Leo

From my hotel window in Morges, Switzerland

Americans have a tendency to assume that everything is about us. But it’s hard not to think that the Catholic Church’s selection of an American to be the new pope, Robert Francis Prevost is a strong sign. He is of somewhat liberal leanings, with a strong focus on global compassion and equality, and doesn’t have a direct connection to the conservative Christian ideology here, a politically driven ideology that frankly threatens the world. I assume they could have selected a person from another part of the world with a similar viewpoint, but they chose an American. This doesn’t seem random.

I haven’t been particularly invested in this selection process, I have a tendency to be a bit suspicious of the Catholic Church. But it’s wonderful that they chose a man who appears to represent a desire for unity. Since one cannot ignore the power of the Catholic church in many people’s lives, this is a great thing. Before he was chosen, Robert Francis Prevost, had the papal seal of approval from his predecessor, Francis, who put him in one of the top jobs in the Roman Catholic Church. He was also a missionary, pastor and bishop in Peru who ran the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a part of the world where the church is vibrant.

After Pope Leo was selected (I love the name he selected), news outlets scoured his social media — it’s fun to think…