A new pope was ordained on March 13th, 2013. His chosen name: Pope Francis.
This could be a wonderful refreshing of the Church (in the Roman Catholic expression). The pope is South American, which is part of the world that is booming in the Christian world. Pope Francis is introducing revival in the church.
There has been a yearning in the church worldwide (this is all denominations, not just Roman Catholic) for revival. It is a dark time in the second decade of the 21st century. But like St. Francis in the late 1100s, revival was just around the corner.
St. Francis heard the call to rebuild the church. He took it to mean literally restoring a ruined church in his town. This was only preparation. His call grew. He was commissioned to rebuild the church in what it had become. The heart and soul of the church had been lost in St. Francis' time. St. Francis lit a fire, which brought the church into action once again in the communities of the poor, defenseless, widowed, oppressed, and hurting. In great darkness, Christ's light shines forth.
In South America, the church in all Christian denominations is growing swiftly. It is interesting that a pope caught up in the flourish of that continent was chosen. He is within the pulse of revival occurring. Maybe I'm too optimistic or off course. But I would hope Pope Francis would bring healing, refreshment, restoration, wholeness to the Roman Catholic Church, which will then affect all other Christians in the world. No matter where the impetus or epicenter is, let us all as Christians hope for unity in the Church--revival in the church. The Holy Spirit unifies. Let the Holy Spirit renew Christ's church.
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