Interregnum

Thoughts of a professional Catholic

First, yes; I’ve seen Conclave.¹

I’m knee-deep in reading articles and watching docs about Pope Francis’ legacy, as one does when the Pope dies. I’ve watched comment sections devolve into stupid arguments about whether or not it’s cool to start wondering who the next Pope is, or TOO SOON. I’ve been amazed by how many Non-Catholic voices have risen to say beautiful things about Francis. And I’ve set my DVR for Saturday at the unholy hour of 3:00 AM so as not to miss a minute of the funeral.

I’ve also read comments by Great Thinkers and People Who Know Things. Mostly everyone has a dear-heart way of regarding Francis, personally. There’s no doubt that this was a holy, merciful, loving man who was a living model of what life in Christ asks of us (act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God), as opposed to what is owed to us.

And let me get this said: I am a fan. I am so moved by this loving, huggable Pope (which was Not A Thing until he came along). And I’m happy that he’s put women in positions of leadership (if not power) in the Vatican. And I never expected him to make great swaths of change in the Church, because the Church just doesn’t church that way. But I had hoped.