Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

I am on my way to Philadelphia with a group of people from the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This will be Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States. There is energy around the pope’s visit; he has been a very popular pope among not only Catholics but also the entire world community. He has a mystique of being the “common man.” Really, there is nothing common about Bishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the former Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Pope Francis is the first Jesuit pope. The Society of Jesus represents the “intelligentsia” of the Church. They have a certain “esprit de corps” that is accompanied by a “pride” in the order. One example of how serious the commitment is to the Society of Jesus, is found in the fact that one Jesuit moral manualist (one who posits whether or not a human action was considered right or wrong) condemned dueling as immoral in all circumstances – unless it was in the defense of the Jesuit Society. I know that a number of my close Jesuit friends would respond, “And your point is?” Father Jorge Bergoglio was a Jesuit provincial, a task that is far from common.

I believe the “common man” touch of the pope comes from his identification with the poor and the marginalized. In this, he reflects the Gospel and lives it in his actions. Like his namesake, St. Francis, the pope’s commitment to the poor makes him a model of Christ for the world.

Many wonder what his message to the people of the United States will be. To be consistent with his “papal persona,” he will likely:

• Demand attention to those living in poverty – The United States is a blessed nation and for those who have been given much, much is demanded.
• Be concerned with the environment – After all, he wrote the encyclical, “Laudato Si.” This topic will be welcomed by our young people, who are very concerned about environmental issues.
• I believe Pope Francis will also address the refugee and immigrant issues. That is, the displacement of the masses of humanity due to war, violence and economic concerns. He might also draw attention to solidarity with the homeless of the world.
• Coming from Cuba, he will probably call for international cooperation among nations in order to ease tensions experienced by so many.

In Philadelphia where “World Meeting of Families 2015” will take place, I hope that Pope Francis will reinforce the family as the basic evangelization tool for the practice of our faith. After all, the family is the “domestic church.”

I look forward to praying with the pope for the good of families, the Church and for peace in the world. Perhaps the energy being generated by the visit of Pope Francis will help us to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the September 23, 2015 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.