Matthew 21:1-11 details the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey while the crowds welcomed him with joy by laying their cloaks and palm branches in his path. This scene is often referred to as the triumphal entry.
When Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013, he chose to do so under the name of Francis, after St. Francis of Assisi, who was well-known for his humility and love for nature.
When he was elected, there was a sense of excitement and hope among the people, which was evident in the way he was welcomed during his first public appearances. The way people flocked to St. Peter’s Square to see him, and the way he connected with people, was reminiscent of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
The night of excitement as well as a night of firsts was experienced by the 1.2 billion Catholics around the globe as the 266th Pope – Jorge Mario Bergoglio, former Archbishop of Buenos Aires – was chosen. He is the first Pope from the Americas, first Jesuit Pope and the first non-European Pope in almost 1,300 years. His choice of name – Francis – is also significant as he wants to present a different face of the church focused on the poor. Pope Francis is known for living simply, close to the people and championing the rights of the poor. He chose his name, Francis, to reflect a commitment to simplicity, poverty and working with the poor. The faithful in St. Peter’s Square felt a sense of renewal and hope for the future.
There are specific themes in the story that can be applied to Pope Francis’ election. For example, in the story, Jesus’ choice of a donkey as his mode of transportation was symbolic of his humility and willingness to serve those who were oppressed. Similarly, Pope Francis has been known for his humility, having chosen to ride the bus with other cardinals and live in a simple apartment rather than the luxurious papal quarters.
In the story, the crowd proclaimed Jesus as a prophet, and similarly, many saw the election of Pope Francis as a move towards a more compassionate and socially conscious Catholic Church. His focus on issues like poverty, humility, and taking the Gospel message beyond the church walls is a refreshing change from the more traditional views of some church leaders. He used his position to speak out against social injustice, economic inequality, and environmental degradation. He tackled issues such as poverty, climate change, refugee crisis, and corruption head-on, which earned him the respect and admiration of people all over the world, including those who were not of the Catholic faith.
Pope Francis also took steps to reform the Vatican, by setting up a commission to investigate the financial and administrative practices of the Church, and implementing measures to combat corruption and abuse within the clergy. He has called for a “poor Church, for the poor,” and has been actively working to make that vision a reality.
Overall, the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry and Pope Francis’ election both convey a sense of hope and optimism among their followers. Additionally, they both represent a turning point or a call to action towards a more compassionate and inclusive society.
The Pope boards a bus to make his way back to Rome, after spiritual retreat
ROME REPORTS (1:07) – Nine years ago, Pope Francis finished his five day retreat and rode home on a 40 minute trip by bus with Cardinals and Bishops.
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