Francis by Patrick J. Marrin for May 06, 2024

Agreed. This is the first pope I truly respect.

There are several people in panel 1, then less in 2, then only a couple in 3 (besides Francis, Gabby and Leo). Does that fellow in the dark suit represent someone special?

“A church that is merciful and open to everyone” is the exact opposite of what Francis’ immediate predecessor, Benedict, was trying to achieve.

This whole thing started with a first century Jew. He spent most of his mission fighting for the disenfranchised withing the Jewish community.

Then this guy Saul comes along, falls off his horse, and all of a sudden the movement no longer concentrated on Jews. In fact, the apostles seemed to have had better luck with the gentiles than the established Jewish communities.

Christianity did not have an identity beyond a fringe group within Judaism until then.

Officially, the church did not codify its beliefs until the 4th century under Constantine.

Since then, change has been slow.

It is interesting how people “label” other people.

When I lived near The People’s Democratic Socialist Republic of Seattle, a nuclear-free and smoke-free zone, I was considered to be conservative by my neighbors.

In the 4 days it took for me to drive to North Carolina, I went from being conservative in my neighbors eyes to being a liberal. At least this time when I entered the state there was not a billboard from the KKK welcoming me to the state.

Who’s the guy in the suit?

Last panel…Leo explains “change reaction”

A Church that is merciful and open to all…..according to the teachings of Jesus.

Less misogamy, more Holy Spirit

The problem is not that Christianity is not being taught in the schools.

It’s that it’s not being taught in the churches.

It ain’t easy being Pope………..