The Loneliness of a Long Distance Pope

 

I have been deeply moved by the events and spirit of Pope Leo's visit to Lebanon

There is no "School for Popes". Members of the College of Cardinals may get some ideas of what it means to be Pope.  Leo was a Cardinal for only a matter of months before his election to the Papacy.

SOONAFTER IS ELECTION TO BE POPE ON A MISSION< Such a burden.  From the moment of landing to the moment of leaving was there even a moment when he could say "I need the bathroom or "I'd like a cup of tea"?

Here is a stellar worldwide servant who sacrifices autonomy and personal freedom for the sake of the gospel.

Who could forget the wonderful youth rally = with Holy Dance, and Song. A Youth Rally which was true to the faith of Lebanese Christians, and not to Vatican bureaucrats.

Music from Taizé.  I've been there!

Here is a Pope whose gentle and evangelical spirit is deeply rooted in Jesus Christ.

It was maybe twenty years ago that I spent two weeks in the Lebanon with my great friends Hani and Rula Asfour   What a treat.  In a sense I knew the places of the Pope's pilgrimage.  I saw a fair bit of the land in two weeks.

Being at Tire and  Sidon.  

Visiting Hani's place of work "The American University" .There Muslim and Christian students get on well enough by avoiding politics .   There the students raved over the Asfour's brand new baby "Raja?"

Visiting the shrines where Leo prayed!

Going the Cedars, the remnant of what had been the glory of the land

Getting a glimpse of Syria

Eating the best Tabbouleh ever -  made by Rula's Mum .

Visiting Rula's dad in the Hospital in Beirut

The list goes on..... but I was there for two weeks.

Pope Leo had two days.

I continue to be in awe of Pope Leo.   His quiet demeanor. His insistence of being the bearer of the good news of the Risen Lord, 

I hope that he got his cup of tea soon after boarding the plane back Rome.