Pope Francis

Pope Francis will be buried in a plain wooden coffin outside of Vatican City at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. Six other popes are buried there also, although none after the 17^th Century. St. Mary Major Basilica is not within Vatican City. Vatican City is impressive by design. Michelangelo’s La Pieta is there as is the breathtaking Sistine Chapel. The Pontifical Swiss Guards, all of whom looked to be first round NBA draft picks, are stationed in and around St. Peter’s Basilica and appear to have been chosen by their opaque facial expressions. Even non-Catholics are awed by the pomp and circumstance of Vatican City. In short, it is the antithesis of a wooden coffin. However, its ostentatiousness brings Pope Francis’ humility into sharp contrast.

The first pope I remember was Pius XII (1939-1958) who was succeeded by John XXIII (1958-1963), Paul VI (1963-1978), John Paul I (1978), John Paul II, (1978-2005), Benedict XVI (2005-2013) then Francis (2013-2025). Naturally, Francis, the most current, stands out as the best-known and most accessible to us in 2025. The modern media age makes all world leaders more ubiquitous and familiar.

But it was not the media that created Pope Francis’ character of humility and grace. The record and memory of the original Francis of Assisi guided the ecumenical kindness and inclusiveness of Pope Francis. When one travels to the town of Assisi in the Papal State of Umbria, Italy, the tomb of St. Francis has the look and feel of acceptance and equality. Pope Francis chose his name carefully.

Pope Francis appeared to open his heart to all without reservation as to status, wealth, sexuality or frailty. As Francis often said, “Who am I to judge?”; the Vicar of Christ indeed. Pope Francis dedicated his leadership of over one billion Catholics as well as his concern for countless Muslims, Jews, pagans, non-believers and other Christians to the causes of peace and human suffering throughout the earth. When the smoke from the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel turns white, it will be good for us all, Catholics, atheists and sinners of all beliefs, if a third Francis can be found to lead the way forward.

St. Peter’s Basilica Ceiling. Photo by Peg Redwine

We have not, yet, had a First Gentleman. However, Hillary did win the popular vote so we almost had Bill elevated to the role Melania now plays. After seeing how the national media psychoanalyzed Melania’s refusal of Donald’s hand last Monday, my thoughts wondered to how almost President Clinton, Hillary that is, and President Clinton, Bill, would have fared as President and First Gentleman.

I remember a time or two when it was reported that Mrs. and Mr. Clinton might have had a slight difference of opinion over Bill’s behavior. I can see how such difficulties might have occasionally worked their way to light.

Unlike the omniscient media I do not know what goes on inside Melania’s mind nor Bill’s. Perhaps Melania’s public behavior around Donald does not mean anything. And if Bill were First Gentleman he might occasionally engage in displays of public behavior towards Hillary that could be misunderstood as a preference to be somewhere else.

Melania speaks five languages but rarely speaks at all in public. It is unlikely Bill would have been so shy. Bill might have offered to play his saxophone while Hillary conducted interviews with world leaders. I can almost hear his rendition of ♪When The Saints Go Marching In♪ while Hillary explained her positions to Pope Francis.

Melania wears designer gowns to such places as the female section of the Western Wall. Bill might have modeled overhauls when Hillary appeared before the coal miners. I remember when Brother Billy Carter brewed and marketed “Billy Beer”. Maybe First Gentleman Bill could have gone on the “Food Network” with Arkansas recipes for fried squirrel. Melania, of course, does not eat anything.

I am not sure why we have a First Person. We give them no pay and a large house to clean. Of course, such First Ladies as Dolly Madison, Abigail Adams and Eleanor Roosevelt played crucial roles in our country’s history. But whether Melania or the mythical Bill will have such impact is still unwritten.

Smoke

Like this:

If Hillary Had Won ….

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: