A few things came to mind today, in no particular order
1) "JD Vance is wrong." Doesn't mince words. So incredibly refreshing.
2) I too have been told we'll never see an American pope in my lifetime. I was also told the Cubs would never win a world series in my lifetime. Wrong on both counts, so this portends that in the next decade, cold fusion and male pattern baldness will be solved, by the same experiment, at the University of Chicago.
3) We now have a pope named Bob. Let that sink in.
4) Jesus weeps every time someone puts ketchup on a hot dog. Just put mustard on your franks as God intended. Also, whole wheat buns send you straight to purgatory.
5) When I came here to post, I had to enter a Substack code. The first numbers were 666 (not kidding). But I checked the Book of Revelation and there's no mention of a Pope Bob, so I think we're OK.
"Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.J., recalled casting his ballot — carrying it to the front of the Sistine Chapel, holding it high and solemnly submitting it before God as Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” stared down.
He had known Cardinal Prevost for about 30 years, from back home in the United States and in their global ministries. Now they were behind the closed doors of one of the world’s most secret rooms, with 131 fellow cardinals, including eight from their home country.
He looked for his friend around the tables.
“I took a look at Bob,” Cardinal Tobin said, “and he had his head in his hands.”
One of the reported characteristics shown by our new Pope is that he has a sense of humor. When it came to choosing a new name as Pontiff, I was wondering if it would be, "Pope Obama."
It is so good to hear "good news", thanks for your take on it. Surely he will continue to quietly share wise thoughts like, "Jesus does not ask us to rank our love for others"
I hope the pope will quote scripture like Jesus did when he has comments on topics. But my favorite is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and might. And love your neighbor as yourself. This sums up the law and the prophets.” This is all we need to do. Plus. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. You and your household.
I am sure, Holly, that Pope Leo will quote scripture frequently. What you just quoted is true, beautiful and comforting. Among my favorites passages as well.
I suspect this means Villanova is going to absolutely dominate college basketball. I don't know how Sister Jean at Loyola can compete with Pope Leo at Villanova. I'm surprised he wasn't Pope Rollie.
Excellent, Bob. My Hubby, a devout Roman Catholic attending an Anglican church with me (an Episcopaian), is delighted with the new Pope. We are all praying for Pope Leo XIV, and that his message of love, unity, and care for those who are marginalized, will be embraced by people of all faiths.
And then, Don, I learn that his birthday and mine are just two days apart. We're practically twins. Maybe I can get an audience with him if he comes home for a Cubs game.
Let's see... Since Rerum novarum (1891) we've had follow-ups after 40, 70, and 100 years. Leo XIV will likely still be pontiff in 2031. Wonder what he'll write to mark the 140th anniversary.
Yes indeed. He's entitled to his beliefs and it's not my business to question another person's faith. However, when he tries to justify a political stance by twisting the words of Jesus, it's time to point out some clear facts.
Vance is one “converter” I’d like someone to steal. By the way, my own favorite was Matteo Zuppi, but Prevost seems promising; and Pierbattista Pizzaballa gets to keep his vernacular name…
Yes, but if our paths ever cross, I'd like to get his blessings. He has apparently spent many years tirelessly working in the Middle East and his an impressive leader. And, of course, I absolutely love that name.
Just wow... great column, Bob
A few things came to mind today, in no particular order
1) "JD Vance is wrong." Doesn't mince words. So incredibly refreshing.
2) I too have been told we'll never see an American pope in my lifetime. I was also told the Cubs would never win a world series in my lifetime. Wrong on both counts, so this portends that in the next decade, cold fusion and male pattern baldness will be solved, by the same experiment, at the University of Chicago.
3) We now have a pope named Bob. Let that sink in.
4) Jesus weeps every time someone puts ketchup on a hot dog. Just put mustard on your franks as God intended. Also, whole wheat buns send you straight to purgatory.
5) When I came here to post, I had to enter a Substack code. The first numbers were 666 (not kidding). But I checked the Book of Revelation and there's no mention of a Pope Bob, so I think we're OK.
6) God bless America and Hallelujah
Ted -
I just found this in The New York Times.
His name really is Bob, not Robert.
"Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of Newark, N.J., recalled casting his ballot — carrying it to the front of the Sistine Chapel, holding it high and solemnly submitting it before God as Michelangelo’s “Last Judgment” stared down.
He had known Cardinal Prevost for about 30 years, from back home in the United States and in their global ministries. Now they were behind the closed doors of one of the world’s most secret rooms, with 131 fellow cardinals, including eight from their home country.
He looked for his friend around the tables.
“I took a look at Bob,” Cardinal Tobin said, “and he had his head in his hands.”
Robert Jerome Dunning - I'm 667, unless at Ellis Island they added an extra "n" to our last name when our ancestors got off the boat.
"We now have a pope named Bob. Let that sink in."
Love it. Makes me giggle uncontrollably.
Great choice! (I enjoyed his gentle smack down of JD Vance!) I had a realization that for the first time in my life, the Pope is younger than me!! 😁
Hard to believe. But you have aged well, for sure.
had to google the new pope’s age
69
I've heard he's a tennis player.
I'm going to challenge him.
Bob vs. Bob
pope bobby and he’s good at math
Me too, David.
Me three
Bob:
One of the reported characteristics shown by our new Pope is that he has a sense of humor. When it came to choosing a new name as Pontiff, I was wondering if it would be, "Pope Obama."
That would certainly have been groundbreaking, Phil, but makes sense since both are from Chicago.
As Philip DeFranco noted, having a Pope from Chicago means not putting ketchup on a hot dog will now be canonical law
Spicy mustard and sweet pickle relish with chopped onions
Yeah, I'm a mustard/relish person although I most often go without sauce
I have heard the rumor it is the White Sox have not seen anything official.
The Vatican is preparing a statement to clarify this.
It is so good to hear "good news", thanks for your take on it. Surely he will continue to quietly share wise thoughts like, "Jesus does not ask us to rank our love for others"
Just one sentence that could have won my recent 11-word essay contest.
I hope the pope will quote scripture like Jesus did when he has comments on topics. But my favorite is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul and might. And love your neighbor as yourself. This sums up the law and the prophets.” This is all we need to do. Plus. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. You and your household.
Have a great Mother’s Day. Speaking of love.
Except. Prophets is spelled incorrectly. Because technology is not religious. It was spelled very secularly. “ profits. “
You just spelled it phonetically, Holly. We can all profit from your words.
And isn't it strange that "phonetic" is spelled with a "ph" and not an "f"?
The Bible needs a Book of Grammar
God is before his time. He prepared the original Cliffs Notes. 😊. I love your sense of humor. Thank you for the complement. Be well.
Thanks a million, Holly
I am sure, Holly, that Pope Leo will quote scripture frequently. What you just quoted is true, beautiful and comforting. Among my favorites passages as well.
Thank you
Bob... Great column. I am glad that the cardinals and God made a wise decision in selecting which particular "Robert" to be the Pope.
Now Villanova isn't only known for alumni who are excellent basketball players. The only college in the country that has a Pope as an alum.
I suspect this means Villanova is going to absolutely dominate college basketball. I don't know how Sister Jean at Loyola can compete with Pope Leo at Villanova. I'm surprised he wasn't Pope Rollie.
So the big question for our Chicago Pope Cubs or White Sox?
I've heard his older brother say it's the White Sox.
Minnie Minoso over Ernie Banks.
The Pope couldn't help the Cubs with the Giants. Why call him LeoXIV? Pope Bobby has a nice ring to it.
Indeed.
But the starting pitchers had already been announced just before he became pope, so he couldn't control the outcome.
Excellent, Bob. My Hubby, a devout Roman Catholic attending an Anglican church with me (an Episcopaian), is delighted with the new Pope. We are all praying for Pope Leo XIV, and that his message of love, unity, and care for those who are marginalized, will be embraced by people of all faiths.
If you two ever come by St. James, I'll share the pew and kneeler with you and even toss five bucks in the collection plate in your name.
🙏🏼🤍
Thanks so much, Sara.
Prayers all around
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" John 1:5
I absolutely love that, Sara.
Me too. We have a living Hope! So thankful!!
Wonderful column, Bob (the other Robert).
And then, Don, I learn that his birthday and mine are just two days apart. We're practically twins. Maybe I can get an audience with him if he comes home for a Cubs game.
Let us pray.
Let's see... Since Rerum novarum (1891) we've had follow-ups after 40, 70, and 100 years. Leo XIV will likely still be pontiff in 2031. Wonder what he'll write to mark the 140th anniversary.
Will be interesting to see, Julian.
I do like that encyclical. A lot to chew on there.
Well done, Bob. It’s worth pointing out that JD is a Catholic convert, particularly in view of his priorities.
Yes indeed. He's entitled to his beliefs and it's not my business to question another person's faith. However, when he tries to justify a political stance by twisting the words of Jesus, it's time to point out some clear facts.
Vance is one “converter” I’d like someone to steal. By the way, my own favorite was Matteo Zuppi, but Prevost seems promising; and Pierbattista Pizzaballa gets to keep his vernacular name…
Yes, but if our paths ever cross, I'd like to get his blessings. He has apparently spent many years tirelessly working in the Middle East and his an impressive leader. And, of course, I absolutely love that name.
My God above in Heaven, Bob. You’re getting better every time!
Keep it up.
Dan DeSantis*
*No relation
Thanks, Dan
Was an interesting one to write.
I had no idea who they might pick, but I wasn't waiting anxiously by the phone