By: Ashley Tomaselli
Posted In: News
Photo credit: Ashley Tomaselli
Sister Leona Misto believes the pope continues to be an influential person in the church and a dynamic leader, despite his physical health.
Photo credit: Ashley Tomaselli
Rev. John Codega speaks of changes that might come about if a new pope is chosen.
NEWPORT-Madge Thombs is a Catholic here in the Newport community and can remember when Pope John Paul II was elected pope and how it was a very exciting time for the Catholic Church. “He was very different compared to previous popes. He skied down mountains, spoke many languages fluently, and flew around the world to meet his flock,” says Thombs.
Thombs reminisces on how exciting it was when the pontiff came to the United States for the first time and held a Mass outside in an Iowa field. Throughout the years, he has been a powerful influence not only on the Catholic Church, but on the entire world. “Even now, in his frail condition, he has a tremendous spiritual influence and his faith is inspiring,” believes Thombs. In light of the pope’s recent hospitalization for Parkinson’s, local Catholics, like Thombs, have found themselves reflecting on John Paul II’s life and the future of the church. According to news reports, Pope John Paul II was re-hospitalized in the Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome for breathing problems last week. Earlier last month, for the first time in 26 years, illness also prevented the pope from performing the Ash Wednesday service at St. Peter’s Basilica. Reports have circulated suggesting that the pope has confronted the question of resigning due to ill health, but Fox News and other news outlets have reported that the pope as no plans of resigning and has repeatedly stated that he intends to carry out his mission until his death. For Sister Leona Misto, Salve Regina University’s vice president for mission integration and planning, such resolve shows the pope’s strength and his humanity. “The pope strongly believes in suffering and that it has a big place in life,” says Sister Misto. “When we are the weakest and have no control, we can be used as God’s instruments.” Misto sees the pope as a productive and influential person in the church and as a dynamic leader, but one aspect that needs to be dealt with is the future. “There needs to be a component of change because the world is always changing,” says Misto. “I hope that the Catholic Church does not get left behind, but that we are a part of the change.” Twenty-seven years ago, Pope John Paul II became pope. According to the the Rev. John Paul Walker, assistant chaplain at Providence College, the pope has been very active and involved in the world. He also has a history of defending human rights, embracing the youth, supporting the right to life and fighting communism. “The greatest thing the pope has done is that he has spoken directly to young people,” says Walker. “He has mobilized an army of young people to spread love and joy like no other pope has ever done.” Walker also believes that the pope is a man of prayer and faith whose illness has helped him develop a stronger reliance on God and the attribute of holiness. “It is amazing he is not afraid to suffer before us,” Walker says. ” He is not afraid to be seen vulnerable and proves there is a real strength in vulnerability.” “His mind is still as sharp as can be; it is his mental heath and spirituality that is important,” echoes the Rev. John Codega, chaplain of Salve Regina University’s Campus Ministry. However, when Pope John Paul II is no longer serving the Catholic Church, a new pope will have to be chosen. There are potential candidates that are being considered, but no bishop has a definite advantage, explains Codega. It is uncertain if the future pope will make any drastic changes; however, since Pope John Paul II appointed many of the present day cardinals, the forthcoming pope could generally think along the same lines as his predecessor. Still, Cordega says, “The next pope to be elected is always a surprise and it is anyone’s guess.” According to Codega, both spirituality and politics play a part in the final decision. The United States is the global superpower of the world, so the chance of an American cardinal becoming pope and being head of the church is very slim, explains Father Codega. Brazil has the largest Roman Catholic population in the world, and there are Catholics in the Western World, Europe, Asia and Africa. Catholicism is universal. “I would like to see an African-American be elected pope. The possibilities are really amazing,” says Codega. According to Codega, Pope John Paul II cannot be forced to leave. Even though the he has no plans of resigning, the process of choosing a new pope will be in place. Members of the College of Cardinals are summoned to Rome, and when needed, will form a secluded conference where they decide who will be the next pope. For Codega, Pope John Paul II is a man of amazing wisdom and a passionate love for the church. If anybody has the strength to cope and prevail, it is him. “He is greatness to the faithful,” Codega says.
