Our Faith Is Not Built On Popes

Something to consider! I am guardedly optimistic but, if I am being honest, it's been a rough 12 years!

Source: Timothy Ferguson

We have had 266 popes, give or take a few historical questions (e.g. Stephen II, in 752, died three days after he was elected and before he could be crowned, does he count or not? Historians debate...). Some have been great saints, some have been horrible scoundrels, most have been mediocre.

Our faith is not built on popes. Peter was given the task of confirming the faith of the brethren. Not reinterpreting it, not changing it to suit the times, not leaning one direction or another. Confirming the faith of the brethren - helping us all to see Jesus more. To trust Jesus more. To love Jesus more.

If they do that, hurrah! They're good popes. If they don't do that, boo! They're horrible popes. That is all.

But Father, what do YOU think about the new pope? Is he liberal, or conservative, has he ever done anything bad in the past, or is he innocent and pure as the driven snow? Does he put ketchup on his hot dog?

A) I don't know
B), at this point, I don't really care.

Do I want a pope who is a good pope and not a pope who is a bad pope? Of course.

But, in the end (and the beginning, and the middle, and all the hard to reach nooks and crannies) it's about Jesus. Don't fixate so much on the pope that you lose sight of Jesus.

Jesus gave us the faith. Jesus gave us the Church to teach that faith. Jesus gave us Peter to confirm that faith. Popes will come and go. Some will do their job well, others poorly.

That makes no real difference. How are you living your life? How are you falling more and more in love with Jesus? How are your words and actions bringing more people to Him?

If Pope Leo XIV helps us do that, hurrah! If not, boo. If he makes it more difficult for us to do that, shame on him, but we still have to do what we have to do. Pray for him, but keep your eyes on Jesus.