This was clearly very well thought out--including the selection of an American--as the world is in a very precarious place because of the dangerous leadership in the U.S.
Michelangelo, thanks for this great catch-up summary on the new Pope Leo XIV. At first I was surprised that an American was finally given the role of pope, but it hit me quickly that it was no “accident,” as you presented in the politics that lay behind the choice. Here’s what came to me.
Quite simply, we, in America, are in serious interior trouble for the second time in American history. Our vision is being trashed and thrown out the window by scoundrels. Our vision isn’t perfect, but it has helped some of the world in the desperate times of two world wars in the twentieth century. When the great countries of Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Japan were themselves in deep trouble. The U.S. came forward to help where they could no longer help themselves. Even if it meant by military action. Now the U.S. is in impossible trouble and the first signs of another system (the Papacy) is coming forward to begin to safeguard the American Vision. That’s how I see the election of an American pope so (apparently) in tune with the great Pope Francis.
The way I see it, despite the polls and the incompetence of MAGA, they are slowly consolidating power. If it goes much further, they are going to be impossible to dislodge because far too many of our so-called brother and sister citizens do indeed support the evil in power and the evil power structure growing stronger and stronger behind him. We may well need the help of other nations to restore America’s vision if this consolidation goes much further. More and more, it seems to me, we may not be able to do it from inside because the destruction is coming from inside.
I see Pope Leo XIV as the first suggestion of hope and help from the outside. May other nations come forward and help us, just as we helped them. We are all connected!
Agree with your observations Richard. Your last two paragraphs point to the deep division created by the magacon movement. “Far too many of our brother and sister citizens supporting the evil in power” is a chilling yet real situation that hasn’t gone away since 2016. Many of us don’t recognize these “brothers and sisters” anymore as they have totally succumbed to their cult leader.
Pope Francis should’ve run a keeping your party in charge tutorial for the Democratic Party . THIS is how you ensure decision making rests in intelligent, thinking, and rational individuals. Congratulations, Pope Leo.
I was surprised when the French Cardinal read out the name of the new Pope, his Baptismal name that is, since I wasn't familiar with Cardinal Prevost. But I had a dream the night before that the new Pope would be called Leo XIV. As a gay recovering Catholic who grew up with Vatican II, I still follow the Church's progress or lack thereof, and was happy that Robert Prevost became the new Pope because it is a huge slap in the face to MAGA and will make Trump insanely jealous. I hope that Pope Leo has opened his mind to the cause of LGBTQ civil rights and the role of women in the Church. I also hope that he celebrates his Creole roots and uses his power for the good of the sick, disadvantaged, displaced, immigrant and poor. There is so much hope and potential and you certainly have fanned my hopes and dreams for a more inclusive Church that stands up to fascism, Michelangelo. Cheers~
Ex-Catholic here. I remember Vatican II. I was in high school and I was happy the Mass would be performed in English instead of Latin. Liked that I could eat what I wanted on Friday and after midnight on Saturday, when I was planning to receive the Eucharist on Sunday. Pope John XXIII was a nice man, ala Francis, but a right-winger followed him. I hope Pope Leo XIV opens the gay closet door, blesses gay marriages, and recognizes women as equals in the Liturgy. I won't hold my breath, though.
Thanks Michelangelo for this cogent explanation. My Mom and I were out of my range in a cabin in Minnesota and were so glad to hear you in the car on the way home to Missouri. You always explain things so well. Thanks .
I wonder if the election of the new Pope will have any positive influence on the predominately Catholic SCOTUS justices.? SCOTUS has demonstrated a hesitant move away from extreme “Opus Dei” conservatism . We can thank Trump & his evident abandonment of the US Constitution for SCOTUS demonstrating some adherence to the constitution legalities. We shall see.
Goodness, the photo posted at top of the new Pope Leo, he is giving “the look” as I get when Mrs is disappointed in me. I know that look too well. Perhaps we can stretch that to both he and the prior Pope F. being disappointed in the current rapidly backwards direction of “MAGA’Murica”. I’m not Catholic but understand they have like a 500 year plan for a very slow, careful pace at “change”. Pope F. was an astute politician and church leader in firing trouble and installing high level leaders with sim vision as his. Jump off on tangent, I verified just now, it is correct that long ago priests did marry. Currently they have a priest shortage issue globally, right ? The human body is designed for sexual outlet, how well is the celibacy thing actually working? Seems like it may work out better if they’d return to priests can marry. As non-Catholic I’ve always chuckled at idea of seeking marriage advice from someone who has never lived it. Makes little sense.
Hi Mike, shared this on another platform. I’m not of the Popes tribe, but I thought the Sermon on the Mount was the fundamental precept of Christianity.. why are MAGAS and evangelicals so upset with the new Pope? I’m confused.
Fredo, they didn't get a right-wing prelate, so they're upset. They wanted a Pope who'd encourage us to live as primitive people lived 2,000 years ago. Let the evangelicals live in a cave, but the rest of us aren't interested.
Michelangelo, thanks for this great catch-up summary on the new Pope Leo XIV. At first I was surprised that an American was finally given the role of pope, but it hit me quickly that it was no “accident,” as you presented in the politics that lay behind the choice. Here’s what came to me.
Quite simply, we, in America, are in serious interior trouble for the second time in American history. Our vision is being trashed and thrown out the window by scoundrels. Our vision isn’t perfect, but it has helped some of the world in the desperate times of two world wars in the twentieth century. When the great countries of Great Britain, Germany, Italy and Japan were themselves in deep trouble. The U.S. came forward to help where they could no longer help themselves. Even if it meant by military action. Now the U.S. is in impossible trouble and the first signs of another system (the Papacy) is coming forward to begin to safeguard the American Vision. That’s how I see the election of an American pope so (apparently) in tune with the great Pope Francis.
The way I see it, despite the polls and the incompetence of MAGA, they are slowly consolidating power. If it goes much further, they are going to be impossible to dislodge because far too many of our so-called brother and sister citizens do indeed support the evil in power and the evil power structure growing stronger and stronger behind him. We may well need the help of other nations to restore America’s vision if this consolidation goes much further. More and more, it seems to me, we may not be able to do it from inside because the destruction is coming from inside.
I see Pope Leo XIV as the first suggestion of hope and help from the outside. May other nations come forward and help us, just as we helped them. We are all connected!
Richard,
Fenton, Missouri
Agree with your observations Richard. Your last two paragraphs point to the deep division created by the magacon movement. “Far too many of our brother and sister citizens supporting the evil in power” is a chilling yet real situation that hasn’t gone away since 2016. Many of us don’t recognize these “brothers and sisters” anymore as they have totally succumbed to their cult leader.
Listener since 2015, excellent post, well done Michael
Pope Francis should’ve run a keeping your party in charge tutorial for the Democratic Party . THIS is how you ensure decision making rests in intelligent, thinking, and rational individuals. Congratulations, Pope Leo.
I was surprised when the French Cardinal read out the name of the new Pope, his Baptismal name that is, since I wasn't familiar with Cardinal Prevost. But I had a dream the night before that the new Pope would be called Leo XIV. As a gay recovering Catholic who grew up with Vatican II, I still follow the Church's progress or lack thereof, and was happy that Robert Prevost became the new Pope because it is a huge slap in the face to MAGA and will make Trump insanely jealous. I hope that Pope Leo has opened his mind to the cause of LGBTQ civil rights and the role of women in the Church. I also hope that he celebrates his Creole roots and uses his power for the good of the sick, disadvantaged, displaced, immigrant and poor. There is so much hope and potential and you certainly have fanned my hopes and dreams for a more inclusive Church that stands up to fascism, Michelangelo. Cheers~
Ex-Catholic here. I remember Vatican II. I was in high school and I was happy the Mass would be performed in English instead of Latin. Liked that I could eat what I wanted on Friday and after midnight on Saturday, when I was planning to receive the Eucharist on Sunday. Pope John XXIII was a nice man, ala Francis, but a right-winger followed him. I hope Pope Leo XIV opens the gay closet door, blesses gay marriages, and recognizes women as equals in the Liturgy. I won't hold my breath, though.
Thanks Michelangelo for this cogent explanation. My Mom and I were out of my range in a cabin in Minnesota and were so glad to hear you in the car on the way home to Missouri. You always explain things so well. Thanks .
I wonder if the election of the new Pope will have any positive influence on the predominately Catholic SCOTUS justices.? SCOTUS has demonstrated a hesitant move away from extreme “Opus Dei” conservatism . We can thank Trump & his evident abandonment of the US Constitution for SCOTUS demonstrating some adherence to the constitution legalities. We shall see.
Vance had better be on the “alert”…. perhaps , We, the People , could coordinate an “impeachment “ & “excommunication” double for Vance!!LOL
Goodness, the photo posted at top of the new Pope Leo, he is giving “the look” as I get when Mrs is disappointed in me. I know that look too well. Perhaps we can stretch that to both he and the prior Pope F. being disappointed in the current rapidly backwards direction of “MAGA’Murica”. I’m not Catholic but understand they have like a 500 year plan for a very slow, careful pace at “change”. Pope F. was an astute politician and church leader in firing trouble and installing high level leaders with sim vision as his. Jump off on tangent, I verified just now, it is correct that long ago priests did marry. Currently they have a priest shortage issue globally, right ? The human body is designed for sexual outlet, how well is the celibacy thing actually working? Seems like it may work out better if they’d return to priests can marry. As non-Catholic I’ve always chuckled at idea of seeking marriage advice from someone who has never lived it. Makes little sense.
St. Peter the Apostle of Christ was the first Pope (30-64 A.D.). Celibacy of priests was ordered by the Lateran Council in 1298.
Hi Mike, shared this on another platform. I’m not of the Popes tribe, but I thought the Sermon on the Mount was the fundamental precept of Christianity.. why are MAGAS and evangelicals so upset with the new Pope? I’m confused.
The new Pope is not the “right” color for the Magats!
Fredo, they didn't get a right-wing prelate, so they're upset. They wanted a Pope who'd encourage us to live as primitive people lived 2,000 years ago. Let the evangelicals live in a cave, but the rest of us aren't interested.
Considering the damage done by Christians you shouldn't really be surprised. Every war receives blessings.
As usual a great column which made for a great read. Thanks Michelangelo.