It has been a funny old week hasn't it? Much looking back to WW2. and celebrating Victory in Europe and the peace that was won then - and yet many people seemed to ignore the fact that there is not peace in Europe right now...There seemed to be a lot of news reports mentioning Bletchley Park, and so I found myself thinking about my Mum. Rosie is so proud that her great grandmother was a codebreaker. She thoughtfully bought me a BP puzzle book recently. [thank you Ro]
Then of course there was the announcement of the new Pope. Leo XIV. I did point out to my beloved that he is 69, called Robert, skilled with languages, brought up as a Catholic, trained in theology, with a heart for preaching and pastoral care, and a passion to support the poor and marginalised in our communities. But he reminded me that he could not be Pope because he has a wife.
Joking aside, I do pray that this new man in Rome acts with wisdom, justice and grace. He certainly wants to promote peace and unity, and says he wants to put Jesus first. This has upset the MAGA crowd, who think that as he is American, he should put the USA first. I think Leo is unlikely to agree with them!
Then of course there was the announcement of the new Pope. Leo XIV. I did point out to my beloved that he is 69, called Robert, skilled with languages, brought up as a Catholic, trained in theology, with a heart for preaching and pastoral care, and a passion to support the poor and marginalised in our communities. But he reminded me that he could not be Pope because he has a wife.
Joking aside, I do pray that this new man in Rome acts with wisdom, justice and grace. He certainly wants to promote peace and unity, and says he wants to put Jesus first. This has upset the MAGA crowd, who think that as he is American, he should put the USA first. I think Leo is unlikely to agree with them!
One hymn has been in my head all week, we sang it at Mum's funeral, because she loved it - and lived it. The words seem very appropriate in our world right now. Have a happy, peaceful Sunday
Oh Ang! you've stopped your Robert from being Pope! How will you live with that?
ReplyDeleteVery happily, thank you!
DeletePope Bob?
ReplyDeleteI think the new Pope will be wise and kindly, and he has plenty of life experience.
"Leo" sounds more papal than "Bob" I think. It feels as if the Cardinals have chosen wisely
DeleteSo few left who remember The War; does that make us who are beneficiaries of their sacrifice and live in a relatively peaceful country complacent? Not forgetting the many who are experiencing modern war at first hand.
ReplyDeletePeace is greatly to be desired but comes at a cost.
Wise words, K
DeleteImagine if everyone in government across the world said those words every day and took a moment to reflect upon them before making any decisions.
ReplyDeleteIt could be a wonderful thing
DeleteThe new Pope seems like an excellent choice for the world in which we live in now. Of course he is relatively young too and with such good experiences behind him. Although, unlike your Bob he has never known the support of a good woman throughout his ministry. .
ReplyDelete😉
DeleteThe new Pope was born in the US, but, he became a naturalized citizen of Peru when he was there. I am not sure if he became a dual citizen or not.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bless. I would imagine he was "dual"
DeleteThat’s amazing that your Mum worked at Bletchley Park-mine worked in a plant that had made coal cutting machines but turned out parts needed for wartime. My Dad was always hurt that VJ Day didn’t get much notice as he was in the Royal Navy and didn’t get home until 1946 as they were still needed in the Far East convoy support. I share your hope about Pope Leo and hope he will be the forward thinking man he seems to be. Catriona
ReplyDeleteMy FIL was in the Far East after the end of the war too
DeleteThat's a beautiful hymn. I find myself nervous of mentioning HWSNBN in case AI is looking but there is no doubt he has not done anything to improve the world around us. Let's hope that a new Pope can bring some peace, if just a little.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Bob would have made a great Pope!
🤣🤣🤣
DeleteThere are good things can come out of America, even today! I'm sure there are lots of Americans who are thrilled with Pope Leo and will support him. I'm very happy with the Cardinals' choice.
ReplyDeleteI love that hymn, we sing it sometimes in the choir but I've known it for years in prayer groups.
It is a lovely hymn
DeleteI do pray for Pope Leo, that God will grant him wisdom in this new role he has now taken up and that he will continue to show the love and compassion of Jesus in his mission.
ReplyDeleteLovely hymn with thought provoking words.
Amen !
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