Pope Francis is no rock star

Pope Francis is who he is.  After his most impressive visit to the USA, it must be reiterated that he is not a rock star. He was asked this very question and there is no way he ever seeks to be put into this category.  He is a man of the gospel and that is what makes him the outstanding person he is - his love for and commitment to the gospel.  The young idealist of my youth simply responds with a Wow!  My summary could be that he is a simple and humble man, but still a man, acting for good in the world and proclaiming God's mercy and compassion.  What a mission in life!

Our world today hungers for such leaders, people of integrity and ideals that uphold humanity.  Such a hungering world sees in Francis a man that they can trust and look to.  The danger becomes that we can expect too much and transfer out expectations and hopes onto another human being, who like us is vulnerable and fragile, which is not what Francis is about.  Such a road is sure to lead to failed expectations and lost hope.

As I share this I feel that I am becoming too issue focused and starting to preach but that is not my intention nor my felt desire in sharing this.  I can't explain it but I feel like Francis is a close friend whom I have known for such a long time but I am very aware of the reality.  I judge it simply that people of deep faith in humanity and strong leadership shown in accompanying us in life as fellow human beings speak to us so clearly and deeply that they have this profound effect not just on society but on individuals.  Pope Francis is one such human being.  He is no rock star.  He is much more.