I’m a progressive Christian. Not a Catholic. But I like a number of things about Pope Francis. His stand on preserving the earth (so our children and grandchildren survive). Also his support of immigrants and their needs.
I don’t agree with the Roman Catholic claim to be the earthly organization representing Christ. In general, I perceive that organizations are not very good at discerning and applying spiritual realities, whether the words of Christ, the rest of the Bible or holy books of other religions. But we need them. And we can celebrate when a leader of one is as courageous and clearly driven by love more than by power, as is this Pope.
I highly recommend the article from which I quoted above, found here. It also discusses Catholics who differ with Pope Francis on the immigration issue, both here and in other nations, so more than just a “feel good” piece. Yet it is an uplifting story of the care and courage of a religious leader which we seldom see, whether you agree with him on his exact approach and positions or not.
It is not and should not be only political leaders who exert influence on the matters we elect them to administer. Francis seeks to improve the immigration problem by encouraging us to love and to serve – attitudes and actions that counter the fear and possessiveness driving much of the reaction to migration, whether it’s legal or illegal.