From a Methodist's perspective: I'd like to meet the pope

Hello Journal,

The Pope... I've lived through 3 of them... First there was John Paul II (which I call JP2), then there was Benedict XVI (which I called Benny), and then there's Francis (whom I call Frank). This is not to be offending, but even my friend Susan calls them that.

I sit on two religions. I'm both Methodist and Lutheran. I just like to call myself a mixed denomination or simply a believer in the "BIG DUDE UPSTAIRS" and I've always had much respect for the pope. JP2, he was the pope of the people, he loved to travel, took care of himself, and was always active. Benedict XVI was merely a caretaker in the papal government, he never wanted the job, in fact, he wanted to leave the church to be an archivist but JP2 said: "Uh, I don't think so." When Benedict XVI retired this year on my 26th birthday, I thought: "Who's next?"

When Francis was elected as pope of the catholic church, I said that this was going to be simply different from JP2 and Benedict XVI. The Latin American pope, I read, was in very good health for 76 years of age and regularly took care of himself. He's incredibly smart and knows 8 different languages. I've always had an admiration for the pope as he is elected as one of the servants of the lord through his peers (the cardinals)... and he is the source of what's good in this world.

But what if I met the pope? I remember back in October of 1995 when JP2 hosted a crowd of 80,000+ at Camden Yards for a papal mass. Man he put on a speech that captivated the world! I remember this one part: "Oh, that today you would hear his voice: harden not your hearts."

Let's say Francis came here and Joanna (my girlfriend who is catholic) took me to the papal mass. I would dress appropriately and be respectful.

If Francis came down from his popemobile to give me a blessing, I'd be more than happy to accept it because Francis seems like a really genuine person and seems like a good person to talk to about the problems facing this world.

Yes, I may be Methodist, but you can have utmost and absolute respect for a man who's trying to spread the word of Jesus Christ to all the land. It's a hard project but someone has to do it.

My opinion of the pope is this:

1. The pope is the source and key to the good in this world. He reaches out to believers and non-believers.

2. Second, he makes some of the world's best speeches and really pounces on top-dollar subjects.

I have no problems with the pope and I doubt I ever will.

My common belief is that the world in general would never accept that of an American or Canadian pope even though a good majority of the catholic population lies within North America. Many media outlets were hoping for an "Obama" moment of having the first black pope in history, which I totally wouldn't have any problems with at all. The pope stays out of the political spectrum, which is great. Church and politics don't mix. Politics, 99% of the time will always win because of the constitution.

Would people accept an American or Canadian pope? Probably not. Will it happen? There's always that possibility. I'd certainly be welcoming to an American or Canadian pope. I could see it happening.

The pope is the source of the good in the world, he's the servant of Jesus Christ, and has the greatest charitable and caring nature amongst all people. I'd love to meet the pope one day, I know it might not ever happen, but until then, we'll never know. He's not telling people what to do or how to live their lives, he's being the head of the catholic church.

Francis so far has an A+ in my book. He's doing a lot of things right and putting the kibosh on the criticisms laid against him. He's taking it all in stride and doing the world a big favor.

Benedict XVI, for his service, I have to give him a B, he didn't want the job, little bit too old for the job (81 at election), and was ready for retire.

John Paul II, I give him an A, he was the world traveler, he went so many places and spread the love of Jesus Christ to all nations (EVEN CUBA...). He was also a no nonsense and humorous kind of pope. When the cost of installing a pool at his summer residence was queried by cardinals, he basically said: "Eh, it's cheaper than building another conclave."

My view of the pope is pretty simple, I will have great admiration and respect for a guy who wants to spread the word of Jesus Christ to others and that's what we need more of.

Thanks Pope Francis, come to America someday!

"Until the next post, I'm signing off..."
~ Joshua