The Pope from the Vatican arrived on United States soil Tuesday, September 22, 2015. This is major event. This visit is scheduled for ten days and it is a packed trip with speeches, holy mass, and lots of selfies with the average Joe. Pope Francis is called the people’s pontiff. He is the first Papal Priest to address the United States Congress. He is a common man who believes and supports the causes of the people. I have been watching the coverage and even though I am not catholic seeing him interact with people of the catholic faith warms my heart. Pope Francis feels like family to me and I only know what I have read and what I have seen of him on the news. Yet, he still feels like an old uncle when I see his smile come across my television screen. Like most people I have been following the coverage of his visit to the United States closely. He shows great stamina and grace with every appearance as he keeps up with his busy calendar of events. People of the faith find him enchanting and I understand why. Pope Francis does not put himself above anyone. He does not command people to do things. He just ask them to look into their heart and follow what is right for their situation. Pope Francis honors those who are selfless but reminds them not to lose themselves because a person who always takes care of others and not themselves misses out on fulfillment and happiness. This is the interpretation that I concluded when watching him interact with the faithful.
These are the top ten countdown reasons why I like Pope Francis:
10) The Pope feels more comfortable engaging in conversation with the poor and breaking bread with them than aristocrats.
9) The Pope is not judgmental.
8) The Pope wants acceptance for all people.
7) The Pope is happy in his life.
6) The Pope came to the United States with an open heart and open mind.
5) The Pope is modest.
4) The Pope is approachable.
3) The Pope has a sense of humor.
2) The Pope respects the faithful and in return they love him unconditionally.
1) The Pope makes me feel accepted even though I am not catholic.
I was glued to my television set trying to experience every moment of Pope Francis’ visit to the United States. He had some controversial things to say in his speeches but nothing that wasn’t true. On his last leg of his visit he stopped in Philadelphia and his speech was once again riveting and perfectly poised for the climate. But I think I nearly fell off my chair when the group Sister Sledge came on stage to perform and the dancing nuns broke out in song to sing the anthem that made the group Sister Sledge legendary. This Pope is one of kind and no one can deny that he is for the people, about the people and of the people. He asks all at every stop whether they are part of the faithful or not to pray for him as he prays for them. I cannot help but be inspired and hopeful by this visit because the Pope is correct. Family is first, you should not forget or deny where you come from as most Americans are immigrants, stay in service for the common good and remember to take of yourself as well as you take care of others. The only thing that would have been better is if I had the ability to see Pope Francis in person. His smile lights up a room and everyone can’t help but be in awe of him.