I am not a Catholic and never have been AND, I am not saying Pope Leo IS Jesus, just to clear this up. He is a voice of reason to our Roman Emperor Tiberius (Trump) and his Praetorian Prefect Sejanus (Vance), and all the other antagonizing leaders from across the land. He is a world leader that brings balance to all the chaos and conflict that we face daily in the news. He may not be literally turning water into wine, but he is cleaning up the bazaar with his voice on the stage, while going to various countries observing and commenting.

I don’t see Pope Leo as an American. He is way beyond having a country attached to him at this time. I think too enlightened and intelligent as well. He is representing everyone when he talks. He may speak in their language, so they will understand. A gift to be able to reach so many as a multi-lingual person. A smile that offers support and kindness and empathy. He seems to offer love that brings courage.

He speaks without much ego, but with dignity and grace. It is hard not to listen and to feel a sense of comfort. When he makes comments based on what others say, it is not adversarial or in debate but factual and wise. He is teaching us while others try to force themselves and wield their weight. He speaks the words that are relative to his faith, in a way that does not seem preachy, but contemplative. We stop and listen.

Past Pope’s seemed to be stoic and automated. You could not relate to them. They were in another world. Pope Leo feels more like he is one of us, as he walks through the crowds with a note of concern and consternation. He seems to feel what others are going through as he creates mental notes of what might be an action to take or a word to absolve.

I don’t think we should all become Catholic, this is not what he is here for. His pontification seems to direct us within. To build self-awareness. To ponder, to meditate, to question and explore our own thinking. To critically examine and wonder about right and wrong. Not to bear arms or screech out a chant in a march, but to look at ourselves and take responsibility for who and where we are. It begins at home, working on our mental health, physical strength and transcendence.

This is a very important moment in our lives. A time of great spiritual growth. Like the phoenix rising from the ashes. The Pope is symbolic of hope, faith, possibility and even reward – though you should not seek the latter. When you feel worry or strife with all that goes on around us, take comfort in what he has to say and know that it is all going to be okay. We are not in the time of Jesus, but in a more educated and knowledgeable world. You have the power to make change and this starts with a change in yourself.