Big Chief Francis

Francis White Eagle, a humble chief 

On sharing this classic picture of Pope Francis, taken while he was in Canada last week, one person's comment was - "He goes down to people".  Yes, he sure does.  As pope, he is humble and so understands symbolism, whether driven around in the little car or wearing an Indian headdress.  

Francis had gone on a penitential pilgrimage in response to the history of abuse handed out by the Church, individually and as a body, to the indigenous peoples of Canada.  In saying this, let us not pick on Canada as, throughout history, the Church has perpetrated its own share of evil around the world.  That is part of our history which we must name and own.  We all do wrong which we must name and own.  

Francis White Eagle went to stand with the suffering indigenous people of Canada and a bleeding church and society.  He used the words "pain and shame" to name his strong feelings on the wrong that needs to be righted.  He went to say sorry and much more, as he went to be enable the healing to occur and for justice to rise up for the sake of the wounded.  A powerful papal visit that speaks to the whole world, the whole Church. 

Francis identified that our true and deep joy lies in our knowing that God is ever close and always loves us.  Our world is not a bad place.  We make it that way when do bad and push God out.  No matter what, at all times, God is our creator, choosing to be here.  The crisis is not our world, nor our faith, but how we choose to live.  

His powerful statement was to remind us:

The Gospel is preached effectively when life itself speaks and reveals the freedom that sets others free, the compassion that asks for nothing in return, the mercy that silently speaks of Christ."  So we are builders of a different Church: humble, meek merciful, which ... shows respect for each individual and for every cultural and religious difference."   This Church is "called to embody God's love without borders, in order to realize the dream that God has for humanity: for us to be brothers and sisters all".  (Basilica of Notre Dame de Quebec, 28-07-22)   

Francis White Eagle is a strong and brave chief.