POPE FRANCIS SURPRISES AGAIN

As I await the answer to my letter to Pope Francis, I was delighted to read about the ‘new’ car, a 1984 Renault with 300,000 km on the speedometer, that was recently given to the pontiff by a 70-year-old priest from northern Italy.

The Reuters news story quoted a Vatican spokesman who said, “I think the pope will drive it a bit himself inside the Vatican.”

The article went on to say that the pope appealed to priests several months ago not to drive expensive cars but to save money and give it to the poor.

What a wonderful example for all of us although I’m not sure a thirty year old car with poor emissions controls is a better choice than say a used SMART car.

The pope’s choice of a vintage French car reminds me of another humble Italian who drove a 1959 Peugeot well into the 1990’s. Like Pope Francis, he too liked classical music, shunned the formal clothing of his office, had wonderful powers of observation and was known by a single name.

Remember Detective Columbo?

However the comparison stops there for, unlike Columbo who was consistently underestimated by others, Pope Francis continues to be valued by all as he teaches about charity and service by his words and deeds.

May the pontiff enjoy his ‘new’ ride….and may he continue to raise the spirits of all who watch him travel on his unique papal journey.

I wonder if he'd have any use for my old roller blades?