In the wake of Pope Francis's extraordinary pastoral visit to the United States, marked as it was by an unprecedented outpouring of enthusiasm and affection, a question for the long haul occurs.
The history of popes in these United States is full of surprises.
The secular media have been trying to draw a contrast between Pope Francis and both of his predecessors — St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI — largely on the basis of his simple ways and emphasis on mercy.
In his first full day in Cuba, Pope Francis — contrary to his usual practice — began the day deliberate, restrained, and careful to stick to his prepared remarks at each formal event.
One of the slogans in the Catholic Church in the United States today is "All Are Welcome!"
The Ten Commandments constitutes a beacon and a norm of life in justice and love, a "great ethical code" for all humanity.
Pope Francis warns against giving moral questions too much emphasis, but many are enthused by him precisely because they give all their attention to moral questions.
Catholicism is a treasure map: It may be old, but it still leads to treasure. Let's rediscover it together, and help others to do the same.
