The Cards Pick a Winner

The last thing the world needed was another hard-liner. Instead, we got a new world leader that appears to be someone who will push back against hard-right populism.

In Robert Prevost the College of Cardinals hit all the right notes. The new Pope can be claimed by the developing world where Catholicism is strongest since he spent about a third of his life in Peru, where he even became a naturalized citizen. He was also a favorite of Pope Francis and he seems to want to take the Church in the same more or less liberal direction with an emphasis on social justice.

But probably the most interesting thing about him is that he’s an American. To what extent did the Cardinals think about sending a message about Donald Trump and the worldwide right-wing authoritarian movement he represents? Hard to say, but the fact that they chose an American when everybody said they never would suggests that the situation in our country may have been on their minds.

In that regard Prevost’s elevation will do immediate short-term wonders for America’s reputation in the world. He comes off as the anti-Trump. He’s a political anti-oxidant. It’s ironic that the most top-down organization on the planet should make a statement against authoritarianism, but that’s pretty much what they’ve done.

Also, you’ve gotta love the fact that a White Sox fan has taken the name of the most iconic manager in Cubs’ history, Leo Durocher. (Also, who needs divine intervention more than the Chicago White Sox?) I can’t think of a stronger statement in favor of ecumenicalism. But he must be careful. If he makes any statements in favor of the Bears that will destroy his credibility, as we all know that God is a Packers fan.

Leo XIV is “only” 69 which is a kid by Church standards, though David Hogg would primary him if he could. There’s every reason to think that he’ll be at the helm of the Church for a decade or two. It’s a stable job with little chance of impeachment or a coup. If his history and profile hold up, he should be a source of stability, progress and enlightenment at a time when the world badly needs those things.

As a Brewers fan, I’m not in the habit of saying this, but, way to go, Cardinals.

*****

We’ve been on hiatus for most of this week on account of spring chores up here at the cabin. The deck, the porch and the dock are now all ready to go, next winter’s firewood supply is all split and drying in the wood shed and the garden is ready for planting in a few weeks. The plan is to get the boat in today. And you’ve gone almost a whole week without YSDA, proving that you can survive without all of this keen insight. Have a good weekend.