I
was stunned by Ross Douthat’s negative view of Pope Francis. The
phrases “ostentatious humility,” “maneuvers” and “plot” really jump off
the page. The pope’s humility in rejecting limo rides and the swanky
papal apartments is not ostentation but a genuine expression of his
personal vocation.
He
chose Francis as his name and honors St. Francis of Assisi by emulating
his rejection of wealth and privilege and in his outreach to the poor,
the ill and God’s creatures.