In a recent blog post for The Huffington Post, Rev. Thomas W. Worcester, S.J., professor of history at the College of the Holy Cross, remarked upon the first 100 days of Pope Francis in his new role of leader of the Catholic church. Fr. Worcester lauded Francis’ work, noting “his joyful spontaneity, his pastoral zeal for people, and his passionate defense of the poor against dehumanization.”
Fr. Worcester celebrated Francis’ sincere dedication to meeting the needs of those he serves. Specifically, Worcester spoke to Francis’ affirmation of the weak, disabled, sick and poor. With this in mind, Worcester stated, “This sure bodes well for his service as servant of the servants of God, one of the traditional titles of popes, though not one always in evidence of papal behavior.” Moreover, Worcester noted that although Francis is dedicated to the masses, he must also negotiate with Church bureaucracy, which naturally presents authoritative challenges when confronting contemporary social issues.
Overall, Fr. Worcester imagined a bright future for Francis as well as Catholic worshipers, united under a humble goal: to strive for the good in daily life. Says Worcester, [Francis’] relatively modest residence with other bishops and priests and various visitors, is a reminder that this pope is a Jesuit…Francis is making such a common life a part of his life as bishop of Rome.”
This ‘Holy Cross in the News’ item by David Cotrone ’13.
