What is the enduring legacy of Pope Francis? For me, perhaps it all comes down to a puppet. During this time of interregnum, there is much speculation as to who will be the next pope. It is also a time of reflection on the reign of Pope Francis. It should also be a time of much prayer – that the Holy Spirit might truly guide the Cardinal Electors of the Conclave in their discussions and in their vote. The direction of the Church under the next pope certainly hinges upon that of the last. While papabili names have been bantered about along with profiles of these pope potentials, already much has been written concerning our dear Pope Francis. Opinions have been diverse as one might expect – and respectful…for the most part. There is no doubt that Francis left his mark upon the Church. His unique choice of name speaks greatly to his legacy as does his country of birth in the Southern Hemisphere. For me, the impact and historical import of his papacy could be said to come down very simply to a doll. In 1994, Saint Pope John Paul II proclaimed a “Year of the Family” and instituted the “World Meeting of Families.” It is now organized by the Pontifical Council for the Family every three years in order to strengthen sacred familial bonds all over the world. In 2015, the event took place in Philadelphia. Pope Francis would be there. So would I. I forget where I first saw it. Was it an ad on TV? I really think that it was a news report. Reporters covered all kinds of aspects of the Pope’s visit – before, during, and after. Many priests, bishops, and laity were interviewed again, and again, and again. I believe that it was one such interview that showed a street vendor and the interviewer with Pope in hand. He was holding a Pope Francis doll, which the vendor was selling. “Hmmm...that’s cool,” I thought! I must have related this to someone in the parish, because the next thing I know – voila – now I too, had Pope Francis in hand! Maybe it was just me, but never before had I ever seen or heard of a pope being caricatured in a plush toy. Perhaps it was just the Spirit of American Consumerism at work, along with some good-ole, red, white, and blue chutzpah…but, I saw it as speaking to Francis, himself, and his papacy. People were so comfortable with Pope Francis and felt that he was so down to earth, that it was almost natural to produce a doll in his likeness. Dolls comfort us. They are held close and children carry them into bed with them hoping for sweet dreams. Thus, dolls can be a reminder of childlike innocence. They can be “action figures” like GI Joe for boys (which I had when I was a kid) or “Hollywood models” like Barbie for girls. Dolls can speak to a sense of humor (a “pope doll” – really?!?) or dolls can become collectibles fetching quite a price (think original unboxed Cabbage Patch Kid). So yes, for me it is a doll that speaks to the legacy of Pope Francis. He was seen as a “Pope for the People” and he was comfortable among those same people. A pope doll in the past would have been seen as disrespectful – to the pope, the papacy, and to the Church, Herself! Anathema sit! Besides, no one would ever want to “cuddle-up” with a pope! That all changed under Francis. So now, I’m going to have a nice cup of “sleepy-time” tea and “cuddle-up” with Francis as I pray for the conclaving Cardinals and the pope yet to be whose image, hopefully, will be caricatured in a plush doll!
Peace!
Fr. Wilson