Jesuit Author James J. Martin's Global Tweet: "Pondering on the Pontiff"
James Martin, a Jesuit priest and editor of America magazine, stirred up a storm with a tweet in January 2017: "Are we banning all Syrian refugees? The men, women, and children who need help the most? What immoral nation are we becoming. Jesus weeps," a tweet retweeted by none other than the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost.
Martin chats amiably over the phone from Rome, where he's been since Pope Francis' funeral. "We're cool, but let's not make it seem like we're BFFs," he says. They sat next to each other at the same table during the synod last year for two weeks.
Was Prevost's election as Pope unexpected? Martin chuckles, "With such a quick voting series, I reckoned Cardinal Parolin would win. But it appears Prevost entered the game with widespread support."
What propelled his election? "He's a fantastic person, humble, honest, hardworking, and dependable. They saw a deeply spiritual human in him. The second factor is his lack of American identity. He's well-versed in international experiences, so he didn't come across as overtly American, advantageous for him.
His English proficiency also played a significant role. The stereotype, you know, is that if someone isn't fluent in Italian, they're considered an outsider. But it seems many cardinals were comfortable conversing with Prevost in English. Latin America adored him too. All these factors made him a standout candidate."
Are we looking at a left or right leaning Pope? "Classifying the cardinals into two camps isn't straightforward because some lean right while others not so much. Some are a mix, but I believe Pope Leo XIV transcends many issues. He's seen as a moderate centrist, delighting both camps."
What about his views on immigration and social justice? "It's too early to tell much since he was bishop in Peru, where international matters aren't frequently discussed. In general, he seems dedicated to the Gospels and Catholic social doctrine, hinted by the choice of his name, perhaps the clearest sign of his identity as Pope and his intentions."
He defends his stance, "Don't judge a Pope by his actions as a cardinal. A cardinal's actions differ from a Pope's. A Pope takes on a higher responsibility for the whole Church.
Something spiritually distinct happens when one becomes a Pope, opening them up. I've been told he assumed his role with a sense of lightness, and another Jesuit friend of mine revealed he appeared as if he'd been Pope all his life on the balcony."
Challenges Await
Facing challenges such as preaching the Gospel in a secularized world, managing a global Church, and addressing various crises - both political and humanitarian - the new Pope has his work cut out for him.
Pope Francis was a staunch advocate for migrants and often challenged the Trump administration over immigration.
"Sticking up for the impoverished and immigrants isn't solely Francis' or Leo's personal viewpoint; it's a theme that stems from the Gospel," Martin says. "If there are administrations disregarding it, clashes will naturally occur."
Do Martin's sentiments echo enthusiasm for the new Pope? "Absolutely! While I deeply respected Pope Francis, this man is 20 years younger, brimming with energy, and has the potential to steer the Church for years. Given his command of English, it's remarkable. I'm eagerly anticipating his tenure, particularly in the United States and other English-speaking nations."
Steve Bannon labelled this election a "nightmare." Martin counters, "That's two days into his papacy; calling it a 'nightmare' seems hasty."
- The average Catholic might find Pope Leo XIV's leadership more approachable due to his English proficiency, a trait that was advantageous during his election.
- The consensus among cardinals seems to view Pope Leo XIV as a moderate centrist, capable of satisfying both the left and right camps within the Church.
- Pope Leo XIV, like Pope Francis before him, has shown a strong commitment to social justice, particularly in advocating for the rights of immigrants.
- News outlets covering general-news, politics, and business will likely focus on Pope Leo XIV's attempts to navigate the complexities of managing a global Church and preaching the Gospel in a secularized world.
- Despite facing numerous challenges, such as enacting change in the Vatican's financial management and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Syrian refugee camps, Pope Leo XIV enters his tenure with a sense of lightness and purpose, reminiscent of a man who has been the Pope for his entire life.
