Pope Francis, Pastor

At his blog, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York comments upon what to look for in Pope Francis’s visit:

One temptation we all face is to presume that the Pope will come with a mainly worldly message.  Thus, many wonder what he’ll say to the president, to the congress, or what political and economic statements he’ll make.  It’s natural to ponder what he might teach about capitalism, foreign policy, immigration, religious freedom, the equal protection of the life of the unborn baby, the environment, marriage, family, education, the poor.

 

I am sure he will touch on those important issues, and hope he does, as we can all benefit from seeing the light of the Gospel upon controversial timely topics.

 

But . . . Pope Francis is not coming as a politician, an economist, a scientist, an ethicist, a social commentator.

Pope Francis will come as a pastor, an evangelist, an apostle.