Move over Obama, everyone is in love with the Pope

Obama is no longer the same object of worship and adoration as he was when he first came into our global consciousness, and needs to move over since there seems to be a new figure we are all in love with. Guess who? The new Pope of the big bad Catholic Church. 

And, here are only some of the articles being shared on my Newsfeed on Facebook:

1. Pope Francis: A symbol of change?
2. Pope Francis' Old Colleagues Recall Pragmatic Streak
3. Pope Francis's book reveals a radical progressive in the making

The moment itself when the new Pope was going to make an entrance on the balcony was fraught with curious anxiety. Is the new Pope going to be European? Is the new Pope possibly going to be black? It seems we are constantly anticipating whether the world and power structures are becoming less white. 

But when he did appear (like a 'nayee navelee dhulhan'), there was already a sense of change. For one thing, the new Pope from Latin America took the name of Saint Francis, who is synonymous with poverty and service. Given there aren't any Roman Numerals after his new name, I can't believe that no other pope in a history of more than a thousand years has chosen to name himself after a Saint who represents humility and simplicity. Gee, wow! 

Apparently Pope Francis really is true to his title and, has distanced himself from all the bling and luxury:

After his blessing last night to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square and to the world, Vatican aides told the pope a limousine was waiting to take him to his temporary quarters in the Vatican’s residence building. The new pope said he’d rather take the bus back with the cardinals – and he did. 

This morning, the pope’s first act was to leave the Vatican for an impromptu visit to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in central Rome. No doubt someone told him: “But Holy Father, we need time to plan these visits very carefully.” He wisely didn’t listen. Yes, his presence snarled traffic and caused a major stir, but the Romans loved it.

The above is an excerpt from John Thavis' blog post "Pope Francis' first 24 hours: Doing it his way."

More recently, he was washing and kissing feet of prisoners: "Pope Francis' gestures strike fire in our
hearts:" 

On Thursday, he washed the feet of young juvenile offenders at a detention center in Rome. Among them were two women; one of them was a Muslim. Let Catholics around the world take note. 

It looks like we have a socialist pope. 

It is fascinating to see how much the new Pope is being appreciated for his new style of Pope-ism. Moreover, it seems he is genuine and sincere. Not to mention he actually looks like the Good Pope, too at least compared to Pope Ratzinger.  

I have recently realised that I find the big bad Catholic Church to be one of the most interesting institutions. Its history is full of bloodshed, conspiracies, orgies, mad popes, wealth, secrecy and awesome power.  It is a living and breathing house of power, intrigue and je ne se quoi! 

Let's continue to watch with absolute wonder the machinations of the big bad Catholic Church.

Good luck, Pope Francis in trying to change it!