The Black-and-White Pope

Crisis Magazine ^ | 3/20/13 | Donald S. Prudlo

[marshmallow]

A few days ago we all had a shocking surprise as a Latin American, Jesuit archbishop emerged onto the loggia of St. Peter’s to the general joy of the Catholic world. The rejoicing was widespread, but not universal, with some expressing misgivings. These are clearly natural reactions, to be expected in any election, sacred or secular, and they will be sorted out as time goes on. When St. Ignatius heard of the accession to the papacy of the virulently anti-Jesuit Cardinal Carafa in 1555, he was “shaken to his bones” and immediately retired to his chapel to pray. The great Emperor Charles V suffered a violent attack of jaundice upon hearing the same news. No one expected the hard-line Paul IV to emerge from the conclave, yet according to contemporary reports he was elected quickly and unanimously. In more recent history we find similar reactions. In 1914 Giacomo della Chiesa was elected Benedict XV, at the head of an anti-curial, anti-Pius X rebellion. Pius X’s powerful cardinal secretary of state voiced a concern “Goodness, what a calamity!”

I tell the above stories to indicate three points. Firstly, feelings of reserve or concern upon a papal election are very common in all periods of history and such attitudes need not be characterized as anti-papal or anti-Catholic. Secondly, the vituperation that has poured from both right and left against Francis (not to mention mutual condemnations of each from the center), is both unuseful and uncharitable. Finally, there exist real concerns about the future direction of the Church, and those who make such concerns known—when they are presented in well-reasoned and charitable ways—ought not to be attacked and ostracized. Rather all should proceed in the manner of the good and holy men I listed above. St. Ignatius, rightly suspicious of Paul IV, some........

[apillar]

I would expect too much, the powers that be at the Vatican have ways of “removing” popes that threaten to upset the apple cart. (See Pope John Paul I)

[SpirituTuo]

Please remove your tin-foil mitre.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Thank you for posting this remarkable reflection. I had never heard of Prudlo before. He’s wonderful!

[cothrige]

What an excellent article. Thank you very much for posting it. It is, I think, the best I have so far read regarding the reaction and potential promise of our new pope. Of particular interest to myself was a gem of a quote from one of the comments. It read:

The modern habit of doing ceremonial things unceremoniously is no proof of humility; rather it proves the offender’s inability to forget himself in the rite, and his readiness to spoil for every one else the proper pleasure of ritual.

C.S. Lewis, Preface to Paradise Lost

What a fantastic statement. I really must go and find that text now to read it in full.