Why would a Protestant minister in the Reformed tradition be excited about the visit of Pope Francis to New York City? Why, in fact, would any Protestant be interested in anything papal? The answer is simple: Whatever anyone may argue to the contrary, the Pope is undeniably the leader and the face of global Christianity, and this Pope has clearly generated widespread public admiration.
At any given moment in history a Pope is the most recognizable voice in Christendom. In fact, he is actually a head of state. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, but it is a country ruled by a monarch who has access to the vast majority of other heads of state around the world.
In this age, it is particularly encouraging and hope-filled that the face of global Christianity belongs to Francis - a view shared by many. A Quinnipiac University Poll earlier this month revealed that 66 percent of Americans have a "very favorable" or "favorable" opinion of Pope Francis, including 87 percent of Catholics, 61 percent of Protestants, and 63 percent with "no religion".
What we have seen of and heard from him thus far is inspiring, visionary and bold. Consider some of the layers we have already begun to peel back and examine in just the first two and a half years of his tenure.
Pope Francis has made it clear that his heart is with people. He has a passion for those who are poor or marginalized, which is why he chose to be named after St. Francis of Assisi.
His focus on people is central to his exploration of the world's greatest challenges, as was evident in two meetings hosted by the Vatican in July: a workshop on "Modern Slavery and Climate Change: the Commitment of the Cities" and a symposium on "Prosperity, People, and Planet: Achieving Sustainable Development in Our Cities." As the Vatican stated in announcing the workshops, "although the poor and the excluded have the least effect on climate change and often live on the outskirts of the city, they are the most exposed to the terrible threat posed by human-induced climate disruption.
Pope Francis's commitment to the environment is profound, as is clear from his powerful encyclical about environmentalism and the threats of global climate change. Neither Christians nor Jews, Roman Catholics nor Protestants, can read our shared Holy Book without realizing that its very first chapter begins with the spiritual mandate to be good stewards of that which God has created. Repeat: this Pope has shown himself to be visionary and bold.
Pope Francis has a heart for children and a devotion to keeping them safe. He is clear in calling for sexual responsibility that does not abuse the vulnerable. For a Pope, he has used what is far more progressive language in various matters of human sexuality, including orientation issues and gender equality.
In short, this Pope cares about people, including many who feel left out or left behind. Whatever one's faith, we can all applaud a religious leader who seems to comprehend the commandment to "Love your neighbor as yourself."
In a day of widening gaps between religions, he is committed to multi-faith community and understanding. Who could deny that the good which comes from interaction and dialog is preferable to the adversarial postures that result from ignorance and suspicion?
Another fact worth noting is that he is not European and thus is culturally sensitive to the emerging strength of Christianity as a Third World movement.
Though bound by the parameters within which he has to operate, Pope Francis is nonetheless a breath of fresh air and a beacon of hope and light in a world that too often stumbles in the darkness.
So here I am, a Protestant minister unashamedly indebted to Martin Luther and John Wesley, who is personally excited about New York's upcoming visit by a Roman Catholic Pope. If I could have my moment with him, I would want to say: "Thanks." I would want to say: "Keep doing what you're doing." Or maybe I would simply quote Jesus, who always says everything more eloquently than I: "Well done, good and faithful servant."
The author is Senior Minister of Marble Collegiate Church in New York City. The church is the oldest Protestant organization in North America in continuous service and has a global following online - with worshipers in 47 countries connecting through its live-streamed services.