Pop 89: Transformationally Speaking
By Madonna Hamel
It's been a transformative week. First, we had Mark Carney, recently elected, meeting with the American president, knowing full well he would have to avoid outraging Mr. Mercurial, while at the same time defending Canada against taunts of annexation. He succeeded. In one repeated word (repeated several times, as one would to a toddler): "Never, never, never, never, never."
While campaigning and acknowledging his win, Carney referenced Pope Francis' words of warning to remain "humble." Carney displayed humble restraint by not countering the claim that "just drew a straight line" and came up with a mutual border. But, please, someone take Trump's crayon away-in this case, a pencil-and give him a history lesson on the marking of the 49th parallel and the men of the Boundary Commission who laboured through heat, hail, snow, mud, and mosquitoes.
At moments during their conference Carney's head would cock to one side, or an eye would squint or quiver, giving the impression that he might just be biting his tongue. But the only sign of blood was Trump's blood-thirsty grab at land, the camera, and credit. With tongue planted firmly in his cheek, Carney called Trump "transformative." A good choice of words, given "transform" means "to change the condition of", for good or ill.
Two days later, another transformation. Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago became Pope. What does this mean? And how will Americans behave? Will they secularize the moment, call this a "rags to riches" story? Or describe him, as one commentator already has: "The new CEO of the Vatican." Some are referring to him as Pope Bob. Others are asking pertinent questions for the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion people, like: Is he a Sox or a Cubs fan? Does he have a Costco membership?
The thought of another American in the spotlight, another American bestowed far too much power, is cringeworthy. However, I choose to believe that the cardinals, voting in silence, were moved by the Holy Spirit and "there can be no wrong choice." Enclosed as the men were in conclave, relieved of cell phones and all electronic equipment, left in silence, they must humbly "let go and let God" do the choosing.
And then came his new name. Pope Leo XIV. After some internet searching, I found Leo XIII's encyclical called "Rerum Noverum." Here's an excerpt:
"The hiring of labor and the conduct of trade are concentrated in the hands of comparatively few; so that a small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the laboring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself….to exercise pressure upon the indigent and the destitute for the sake of gain, and to gather one's profit out of the need of another, is condemned by all laws, human and divine."
Rerum Noverum was written 134 years ago. It could have been written last week. It could not, however, have been written by a secular political leader, as it goes on to warn of the dangers of a secular culture that tries to use revolution as a means to freedom.
Watching and listening, I am beginning to understand why the world needs moderates, those mature and patient enough to understand diplomacy. The Middle Way, as the Buddhists call it, is not about being wishy-washy, nor about compromising values and morals, but, it's about listening. As Canadian cardinal Czerny (my vote for Pope) puts it, "We must listen to everyone; listening is a form of welcoming."
Pope Leo refrained from speaking English when addressing St. Peter's Square. After wishing "Peace" in Italian, he turned to Spanish, addressing fellow Peruvians, a reminder that he is the world's Pope. (I also appreciate his invitation to pray a Hail Mary. Mary is a Catholic's intercessor; we call on her the way we often go through Mom to influence Dad.)
Upon reflection, I wonder if an American pope isn't the only answer we have when it comes to saving Christianity from the current high-jacking of the faith by Christian Nationalists who, laying their hands upon him, refer to Trump as the chosen one. Christians unaligned with the Christian Nationalists are leaving their churches in droves. Never, (never, never, never, never) would they choose Trump as their saviour.
Ever since Francis' death, I've been tuned in to the news because: how often do we get to hear mainstream anchors and pundits speak of things spiritual? When again shall the voice of the Spirit be the deciding factor in a vote? It is both touching and amusing to watch a secular reporter scramble for the right word to describe this religious moment. And now that we have an American pope, will he call to attention to the correct use of scripture in a global way? Leo's response to Vance's misuse of Christ's words on Love is a case in point.
A pope is beyond the grasp or threat of political reprisal. Congress is too afraid of the president. And the press - whether pro-Trump or con - is having a field day with ratings and viewership. The claim that Trump is bad for America but good for ratings makes the press a suspect force of good for the soul. But attention to matters of Spirit and soul is the role of a pope.
The word "religion" means "to re-link". When speaking in the language of soul we are sweetly, if briefly, relinked to forces above and beyond us, inexplicable and sublime, forces which can help transcend the normalized hurt and violence of this world. We can transform for good.
I realize I've been talking a lot about religion lately. It wasn't my intention. Thankfully, I have an understanding editor. But I can't be afraid anymore to use the only vocabulary that works in these transformative times. My vocabulary is big enough to embrace doubt, discernment and discussion. It seeks to address the short-sightedness of secular relativism and, ultimately, look to the mysterious heavens.