A pope and a cardinal
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By Michael L. McManus
Though I am not Roman Catholic, I have been fascinated lately both with the style of Pope Francis and particularly how it looks like things may play out.
From the beginning of his election by the College of Cardinals, there were signals that there might be a very different kind of pope.
He focused on the poor and asked all to be more active in helping. He chose a small and modest apartment instead of the usual papal bedroom in the Vatican complex. He likes taxis over limousines. He likes interaction with common people.
Given the choice, he wears normal black shoes rather than white slippers. He is unafraid to kiss the lame or wash the feet of his followers.
Most recently, he offered a mass in Jordan and at the Wailing Wall during his visits to Bethlehem and Jerusalem. He is traveling to Israel to meet with government officials there before returning to the Vatican.
All along this trip, thousands of people came out to cheer him. He keeps saying in his statements he wants to do everything to bring peace. His method is with his words and with his actions.
Meanwhile, I noticed a front page article in The Korea Times announcing Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung’s visit on May 21 to the Gaeseong Industrial Complex. North Korea gave permission last Monday and Andrew went two days later.
It has been quite interesting over the years who shows up as a visitor in North Korea. Governor Bill Richardson made a few trips on diplomatic missions. Bill Clinton showed up to bring the two reporters back to America. Then there was Dennis Rodman. And this past week, Cardinal Andrew.
This man of the Catholic Church has a style emulating Pope Francis. It is to go where others may fear to tread, as Cardinal Andrew said, “I saw hope for peace.”
It may be that these two men have an unusual kindred spirit. It may be no accident that the Pope is visiting Korea as well this summer in mid-August. It may be destiny.
Francis and Andrew will have a three-day visit to pray together, to talk to each other, and to visit many places and people.
Why is the Pope coming? One reason is that there will be a Catholic youth festival. This is part of papal duty, to celebrate youth in the church and to celebrate with youth. It is a major part of papal diplomacy.
But this pope seems to have a special quality that I believe the world needs. He seems unafraid to go into the most difficult of places to bring the word of God, not unlike Cardinal Andrew.
Psalm 91 has become a standard Bible passage for many in the world who seek strength and God’s protection. This, to me, captures the spirit of Pope Francis and Cardinal Andrew.
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand). I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I trust. Psalm 91, verse 1 and 2.
I speculate that it was no accident that Dennis Rodman wore the number 91 on his basketball jersey in North Korea. That number has become the most sought-after jersey number in professional sports. No accident.
Our pope Francis and Cardinal Andrew are brave servants of the church. There is speculation that the two of them may make a short visit to North Korea in August. Just speculation, yet it fits the pattern. As Andrew said, “I saw hope for peace”
New Popes are chosen by the College of Cardinals based on many factors. Included in these is the fact of friendships, soul to soul, between the pope and some Cardinals. Like minds. Like bravery. Like passion. You are free to connect the dots.
Pope John Paul II made history not only because of who he was, but also where he was from ― Poland. Pope Francis is on the same path. Will Korea ever have a pope? It is an interesting idea.
Michael McManus writes bi-monthly for The Korea Times. He is President Emeritus of the California International Business University he founded in 1994. He lives in Seoul where he also is a guest professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Sookmyung Women’s University and Gachon University. He welcomes comment at mcmismism@aol.com.