Francis by Patrick J. Marrin for March 02, 2023

May the Holy Father stay healthy for a long time.

I’m not sure I understand what is going on in this one. Is he remembering a friend from an earlier birthday? Is he simply imagining what he really wishes people would say? Or is it just a random ghost tempting him away to play hooky?

I wonder what Pope Francis dreams of.

The mysterious child calls Francis by his childhood name. Also, when a child asked him his favorite childhood activities, he mentioned making and flying kites… and next to that, soccer.

Sweet!

There is a heart-tugging song called “Agate Hill” by Alice Garrard (great cover by Kathy Mattea) set at the end of someone’s life. This made me think of it and the poignant refrain “Think of when you were a child, dreams unbound by pain…”

OOH! This looks like an interesting take on the pope.

Good idea!

Your spirit can play, Holy Father, but I’m afraid you’re a little too old to go out to play soccer.

Happy Anniversary Pope Francis. Enjoy, relax be at peace.

Watch ‘The Two Popes’ on Netflix. It’ll all make sense. It stars Anthony Hopkins!!!!