From the moment that the white smoke billowed from the Sistine Chapel and the bells rang out confirming that a new pope had been chosen, the royal celebration began. On March 13, Archbishop Emeritus of New York, Edward Egan, explained to Brian Williams of NBC News that this event is foremost the selection of "The Vicar of Christ." Oddly, Jesus Christ never had any royal treatment like this during His time on earth.
The scene in St. Peter’s Square is very much reminiscent of a scene from “The Wizard of Oz!” The Swiss Guard marched into the square accompanied by a band playing amid shouts from a jubilant crowd screaming, “Long live the Pope,” in Italian.
As these thoughts are being written, the new pope is currently being clothed in his papal garments for the first time before he meets the crowd from his palace. On his head will be a headdress that would outshine any current-day royalty.
The only headdress that Jesus Christ ever had was a crown of thorns.
In comparison, Jesus Christ, who made a living on earth as a common carpenter, was never hailed as royalty anywhere he went. He once told his followers that he had no place to lay his head despite the fact that the foxes even had holes in which to live.
The last pope had shiny red shoes that he wore, signifying that he would shed his blood for the church. Jesus Christ, who founded the Christian church when he did shed his blood, did not have any red shoes. He did, however, wash the sandy, dirty feet of his disciples.
Jesus did not have a Swiss Guard or a marching band. As he entered Jerusalem to die, Jesus Christ rode the back of a small donkey and was met by small children with palm fronds shouting, “Hosanna, Hosanna.”
Jesus especially cherished the children. It didn’t matter what he was doing, he made time for the children, instructing his disciples to, “Suffer the little children to come unto me for such is the kingdom of heaven.” He also gave a grave warning to those who might harm a child:
If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea" (Matt 18:6).
The Catholic Church has been shamed with literally thousands of cases of sexual abuse of children by priests. A study released in 2004 numbered the cases in the United States alone at 10,667. Many of these allegations have been covered up and left unpunished.
Instead of a festive celebration, it might be more appropriate to call a solemn assembly. Instead of gilded robes, sackcloth and ashes might be more appropriate.
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