Pope Francis visited the United States last week, attending events in Washington D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia. Thus did faith (generally) and Catholicism (specifically) become the top news story of the week.
As a Catholic, I viewed the media attention the pope received with mixed feelings. To be sure, the fact that the host cities were in the major east coast media markets made a difference. Plus, there is definitely more excitement about having a likable, more open-minded, quasi-celebrity leading the church. But why are the messages of hope and compassion given so much more attention when delivered by the pope in person, as opposed to any other time?
I especially loved how our federal politicians over-compensated, giving Francis time to speak at the White House and to a joint meeting of Congress. There’s a basic cynicism to that, given how most of them aren’t practicing Catholics, but knowing how crucial it might be for voters to see them with the pope.
On the other hand, it was understandable how some devout Catholics considered the pontiff’s visit to be a spiritual, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see him in person. I wish there’d have been a way for them to get more exclusivity, they deserved it. For those not-so-devout Catholics and others, I was left to wonder if seeing the pope in person constituted a faith/life-changing event, or just a chance to see a celebrity.
In the end, the pope’s visit to America made for a generally uplifting week. Given the past scandals and unappealing social conservatism of the Catholic Church, it’s encouraging to see so many people enthused by Pope Francis. The church – the world – needs more of him, and more like him.
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