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Mike Murray's avatar

I had seen the picture of Pope Leo and Marie-Garance Noël (the 11-year-old girl with special needs) before I saw it here, but it is here, while reading this magnificent article, that I really looked at the picture -- and I wept. This is no politician kissing a baby; this is the pastor of the Universal Church being the face of Christ for one of his most precious children. They are in the midst of thousands of people, but for Leo there is only Maria-Garance, and for her, there is only Leo. This is what it means to be the Vicar of Christ.

graceg's avatar

One of the loveliest comments I've ever read.

Mike Murray's avatar

Thank you, Grace.

Pam Caputo's avatar

I too cried when seeing this magnificent simple picture and said a small prayer for our Pope and all the special needs children on this earth. Let us care for them, love them, and help them through life, as they can speak volumes to all of us.

TJ's avatar

Thank you for this piece of writing. While I am not a Catholic or really belong to any religious sect there is a peace that befalls when listening to this Pope. Not just a spiritual peace but a humanity one. Maybe it’s because of age or have more time to read since retired. Who knows maybe it’s because as time marches on we look to people that find the better angels in all of us. It’s not the army’s that back the leaders, it’s the people who do in which that title that may come to mind as the leader of the free world lays upon his head.

Pamela McNamara's avatar

So astute @christopherhale. Grazie!

M.S. Ocampo's avatar

Pope Leo is better at being a President than our current president. He's speaking out in support of people with disabilities, he talks to abuse victims, he's drawing hard boundaries against heretics, etc. Not to mention, he's drawing out crowds that Trump could only dream about.

Monica Soule's avatar

My heart is aching for my country, but enormously grateful that this son of my country is giving voice to everything that is right and good. Leader of the free world indeed. God Bless our Pope Leo.

Larry Dreiling's avatar

Thiel is a useful idiot for himself and his tech bros.