The First Words of Pope Francis[SS1]
(Unworthy Comments by Sahaya G. Selvam, sdb)
(Shyly waves one hand. Stands still for long time. His eyes on the people in the front rows[SS2] .)
Brothers and sisters, good evening[SS3] !
You know that it was the duty of the Conclave to give Rome a Bishop[SS4] . It seems that my brother Cardinals have gone to the ends of the earth to get one… but here we are… I thank you for your welcome. The diocesan community of Rome now has its Bishop. Thank you! And first of all, I would like to offer a prayer for our Bishop Emeritus, Benedict XVI. [SS5] Let us pray together for him, that the Lord may bless him and that Our Lady may keep him[SS6] .
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
And now, we take up this journey: Bishop and People. [SS7] This journey of the Church of Rome which presides in charity over all the Churches. [SS8] A journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us. [SS9] Let us always pray for one another. [SS10] Let us pray for the whole world, that there may be a great spirit of fraternity. It is my hope for you that this journey of the Church, which we start today, and in which my Cardinal Vicar, here present, will assist me, will be fruitful for the evangelization of this most beautiful city. [SS11]
And now I would like to give the blessing, but first – first I ask a favour of you: [SS12] before the Bishop blesses his people, I ask you to pray to the Lord that he will bless me: the prayer of the people asking the blessing for their Bishop. Let us make, in silence, this prayer: your prayer over me[SS13] .
[…]
Now I will give the Blessing to you and to the whole world[SS14] , to all men and women of good will.
[Blessing[SS15] ]
Brothers and sisters,[SS16] I leave you now. Thank you for your welcome. Pray for me [SS17] and until we meet again. We will see each other soon. Tomorrow I wish to go and pray to Our Lady[SS18] , that she may watch over all of Rome. Good night and sleep well![SS19]
MY COMMENTS
‘ [SS1]Francis’ reminds me of simplicity, radicality, close to nature (environmental issues), dialogue with the Islamic world (visits to the Holy Land during the crusades), peace, spiritual depth. Much needed priorities in the current situations! By the way, there is no need to use Francis I, until there is a Francis II.
[SS2]He stands still for a long time just gazing at the people visible to him – he wants to see human faces and not a crowd. Obviously he has not rehearsed his moves in the balcony – even in his mind. His humility!
[SS3]Very humane! Down to earth. Fatherly!
[SS4]He repeatedly refers to himself as the Bishop of Rome. History, not forgotten. This position is surely going to encourage unity in the church. The Pope is not a superhuman, demi-god – but the Bishop of Rome! A symbol of unity!
[SS5]Very apt expression: Bishop Emeritus! And the reference to Benedict XVI is very meaningful: grateful acknowledgement of this great Pontiff. But above all, Pope Francis perhaps wants to express continuity!
[SS6]Very spontaneous and simple in the way he leads the prayers. No exaggerated solemnity.
[SS7]The Bishop of Rome, among the people of God, on a common journey. Very meaningful roadmap for his Pontificate.
[SS8]History revisited. He seems very conscious of this his new role. Surely, a positive move towards ecumenism.
[SS9]As above!
[SS10]Again Pope Francis as a man!
[SS11]He addresses the people at the Piazza di San Pietro!
[SS12]Very impromptu. Very sincere. Humble submission for prayer.
[SS13]The silence is very moving. The Shepherd bends before the flock. Reciprocity of mediating the grace of God. The Pope is not the sole owner of blessings! What a moving precedence! Suggesting also the style of his Pontificate!
[SS14]Only now he is aware that the whole world is watching him. Urbi et orbi!
[SS15]Following the blessing he still gazes very compassionately at the people. He seems overwhelmed by the acclamation of the crowds.
[SS16]Searches for the microphone. The following lines are not in the script – even in the impromptu one!
[SS17]Repeatedly requesting prayers for himself – acknowledging his unworthiness.
[SS18]A possible visit to the church of Mary Major.
[SS19]Again humane and fatherly. Spontaneous!