I'm a Pope Fan-Boy [Atheist]

Rationa;ist Association ^ | 4/23/13 | Paul Sims

[marshmallow]

In a potentially career threatening move, News Editor Paul Sims gets something off his chest

I have a confession to make: I think I might be a fan of the Pope. Not what you’d expect to read from the News Editor of a godless magazine but, watching the coverage of Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s election to the top job, I couldn’t help thinking that I actually quite like the guy.

Because really, what’s not to like? From the moment he stepped on to the Vatican balcony on the evening of 13 March, the new Pope Francis has seemed unusually down to earth for a Pontiff, at least in the eyes of this unseasoned observer. Addressing the adoring crowd for the first time, the first Latin American Pope chose to open with a gag, saying that the Cardinals had gone “almost to the end of the world” to find a new leader. Sure, he’s probably better off sticking with the Papacy than packing it all in for stand-up, but it’s still not the kind of quip you expect to hear at the culmination of the Conclave.

Read his backstory, though, and this humble air seems entirely fitting. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio eschewed many of the trappings of his office, declining the chance to live in the opulent Archbishop’s resident and opting to live instead in a small flat where he cooked his own meals and took public transport around the city.

It’s a trend he appears to be continuing as Pope. On the day after his election, he travelled back from one of his first public engagements aboard a minibus alongside his fellow cardinals, and so far he’s chosen to continue living in a simple Vatican apartment, rather than the palatial residence usually occupied by God’s representative on Earth. Unlike his.......

[mardi59]

I have a confession to make: I think I might be a fan of the Pope.

***************

God bless our wonderful Pope Francis, and God bless this writer. It is my sincere hope that this writer turns to the Lord. May our Holy Mother keep him in her heart for safekeeping.

[kidd]

I’ve always thought that setting a good example is one of the best ways to reach the unreachable.

The next step after watching the pope, is listening to his message.

[raygunfan]

i always find it odd that an atheist can admire the obvious good moral and loving qualities of the vicar of Christ, and be impressed but the historical leaders of atheisim in historical practice, i.e. hitler, stalin, mao, pol pot, et al....you refuse to see the connection....

if pope francis sat over and ruled over the death of millions and millions, the indictment against christianity would flow like fine wine....

and yet atheists, who do rightly condemn the massive atheist inspired murderers of yore....refuse to come to the logical conclusion that folks like pope francis , et all, espouse...

[Moonman62]

He’s got a point and I think it gives support to the idea that Christians would gain more converts if they “walked the walk” so to speak.

[Mrs. Don-o]

Mark 12:34 (Tagline)