Today
marks the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis being elected as the head
of the Roman Catholic Church. I remember
so clearly where I was when the announcement of the white smoke was broadcast
on national television. It was a most
touching moment when he came out on the balcony, bowed his head, and asked for
the prayers of the world. He celebrates this day with a Mass with cardinals in
the chapel of the Vatican's Santa Marta hotel where he has lived since his
election.
The Argentina-born Francis, 86, became the first Latin American pontiff on March 13, 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI who had become the first pope in six centuries to resign. The years have certainly flown by for him. During his reign he has traveled extensively some 250,000 miles and has touched the hearts of many.
The former Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio has sought to project simplicity into the grand role and never took possession of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace used by his predecessors, saying he preferred to live in a community setting for his "psychological health". A persistent knee ailment has forced Francis to alternate between a cane and a wheelchair, but he continues to press on.
On this day when we celebrate Pope Francis and all he has done for the people of God let us pray…
O God, shepherd, and ruler of all the faithful, look favorably on your servant Francis, whom you have set at the head of your Church as her shepherd.
Grant, we pray, that by word and example he may be of service to those over whom he presides so that, together with the flock entrusted to his care, he may come to everlasting life.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (USCCB)
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