A Choice for Compassion

Americans have a tendency to assume that everything is about us. But it’s hard not to think that the Catholic Church’s selection of an American to be the new pope, Robert Francis Prevost is a strong sign. He is of somewhat liberal leanings, with a strong focus on global compassion and equality, and doesn’t have a direct connection to the conservative Christian ideology here, a politically driven ideology that frankly threatens the world. I assume they could have selected a person from another part of the world with a similar viewpoint, but they chose an American. This doesn’t seem random.

I haven’t been particularly invested in this selection process, I have a tendency to be a bit suspicious of the Catholic Church. But it’s wonderful that they chose a man who appears to represent a desire for unity. Since one cannot ignore the power of the Catholic church in many people’s lives, this is a great thing. Before he was chosen, Robert Francis Prevost, had the papal seal of approval from his predecessor, Francis, who put him in one of the top jobs in the Roman Catholic Church. He was also a missionary, pastor and bishop in Peru who ran the Pontifical Commission for Latin America, a part of the world where the church is vibrant.

After Pope Leo was selected (I love the name he selected), news outlets scoured his social media—it’s fun to think he has social media. What was discovered is that he had pushed back on some of J.D. Vance’s far-right Maga views of what the church is supposed to be. I am paraphrasing, but Vance has stated that the church teaches us an “order of love,” or ordo amoris, to love our family first, and then you can extend it to others in the world if you want. Prevost took exception to this, that we cannot rate our love in an order. Earlier this year, Prevost wrote a response on X to Vance’s assertion,

“JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” After the pope published his letter, Prevost reposted it with the comment: “Pope Francis’ letter, JD Vance’s ‘ordo amoris’ and what the Gospel asks of all of us on immigration.”

This love and care needs to be extended to all humans. My immediate reading of this is: even immigrants, and/or those who don’t look like us, those who are seeking help, those that are in need.

From Heather Cox Richardson today:

“New popes choose a papal name to signify the direction of their papacy, and Prevost has chosen to be known as Pope Leo XIV. This is an important nod to Pope Leo XIII, who led the church from 1878 to 1903 and was the father of modern Catholic social teaching. He called for the church to address social and economic issues, and emphasized the dignity of individuals, the common good, community, and taking care of marginalized individuals.”

I hope my gut is right about Pope Leo, and that his selection is about unity.

Today I am meeting up with my friend, editorial cartoonist Ann Telnaes, at an exhibit of our political art here in Morges, Switzerland. Our gracious hosts are the Maison Du Dessin De Presse. The Swiss and the French always have appreciated the power and importance of cartoons, it’s wonderful. I am honored to be given this opportunity. I will of course share photos, and you can read more about it on their website, but here is the description:

Below is the video grab of my drawing above. Thanks for being here! Have a great day, see you later.

ps: I am still answering all of your wonderful comments in response my post two days ago about my work, and my querie to you. I am so lucky to have this community.