The Pope as an Agent of Reconciliation

I have already explored how the least of member of the Catholic Church can bring about reconciliation, through charitable work and bringing about peace in the community that they live in.  Moving from the least powerful to the most powerful, it is important to look at how the Pope can act as a force for reconciliation in the world.  In particular, I would like to focus on the efforts of two recent popes that brought about reconciliation, Pope John Paul II and the current Pope Francis.  These popes have thrived on the world stage, and have brought Catholics together, peoples of different countries together, and peoples of different religions together.  They have also worked to improve the Church’s standing in the eyes of the world.  These actions are direct exemplifications of the values of reconciliation that are expressed in Gaudium et Spes. 

Pope John Paul II came to the papacy after the monumental changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council, and he is often regarded as the pope that helped to cement the changes and documents that were presented by the Council, including Gaudium et Spes.  When looking at the change that Pope John Paul II brought about, it is not a stretch to suggest that he was very familiar with the tenants of Gaudium et Spes.  The document speaks of the great need to “eliminate the danger of war” wherever it is found (82).  Pope John Paul II is generally recognized as a key leader who helped bring an end to the Cold War, putting an end to one of the tensest periods in recent memory.  In particular, the Pope’s visit to Soviet Bloc Poland is remembered as a turning point in pressuring Russia to release its grip on Poland.  This trailer clip of a produced by Newt Gingrich documents the Pope’s trip and highlights the importance of this visit. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=av5rc5IPavs

Pope Francis has also come to the papacy at a pivotal time in Catholic history.  The Church is facing declining Church attendance in areas like Western Europe and the United States, and at the same time is rapidly growing in areas like Asia and South America.  The very fact the Pope Francis is from South America shows that these changes are making a real impact on the Church.  Francis has in many ways taken an active role to bring about change in the Church, and has taken a distinctive turn away from the ways of his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI.  His more open ways and humble attitude has given him devout following that resembles the enthusiasm that was showed for John Paul II at his peak.  Pope Francis has in particular focused on worldly wealth, and has criticized the excesses of capitalism and greed in the world.  He has advocated for greater attention to be paid to the poor of the world and has asked for greater generosity to the poor.  Gaudium et Spes looks at the how greater generosity and a curtailing of the abuses of capitalism can bring about peace.  Section 85 begins by saying “The present solidarity of mankind also calls for a revival of greater international cooperation in the economic field”.  It also states that in order for peace to take place on the global stage, “radical changes are made in the established procedures of modern world commerce”.  Pope Francis has covered this same message in speeches and interviews, criticizing the “idolatry of money” and how “unfettered capitalism is tyranny”.   This criticism ruffled some feathers across the world, particularly by conservatives and the wealthy.  The Wall Street Journal in particular was critical, and their coverage of the issue can be seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6TTSpuX1-0

Thus it is clear that Gaudium et Spes is a document whose message is still relevant today, and the leadership of the Church is intimately aware of its message on peace and reconciliation.