ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
April 25, 2025
If you have turned on the TV in recent days, there is a pretty good chance you’ve found a news story about Pope Francis. His life deserves all the tributes, even though his humility would have found such praise to be unneeded. Historically, the Catholic Church has taught that the Pope, when speaking about church doctrine, is infallible, or to say it another way, there is no error or inaccuracy in the Pope’s teaching. Why is that? Because the Pope is understood as speaking on behalf of God, yet when Pope Francis said in regard to a bishop who had made a mistake, “Who am I to judge?” there was a dramatic reinterpretation of Papal authority. Now let me be clear—there was no official change in Catholic Church Doctrine, and no document was written to explain the statement. However, those words resonated with me. I’m not Catholic, yet I have always tried to show respect for religious leaders across the spectrum. And the Pope received my respect, not only because of the title but because of his life. And this man’s humility and compassion for the least among us might have been one of the better examples we’ve had among prominent leaders in recent decades. Had he offered strong judgments against someone, I don’t think most people would have argued. But like Jesus, Pope Francis only spoke strongly against those who abused their power, misused their wealth, or wielded religion for their personal gain. As Pope, Francis had immense power, yet he used it in one of the most Christ-like ways I have seen. A few Cypress Creek Christian Church folks have said with a grin, “Bruce, there is an open position in Rome. Do you think you’ll apply?” Though any Catholic could become Pope, I don’t plan to change denominations. Even more so, I sure wouldn’t want to follow that man.
Whenever I witness humility, compassion, and kindness that leaves me in awe, I can’t help but believe that I’m encountering something you, Lord God, have bestowed upon the world. If you’re the power behind that witness, then I should certainly pay attention and strive to emulate them in my own life. Amen.
