In this week’s premium member issue of Planet Waves, Eric considers the implications and surprises suggested by the chart for the Vatican’s choice of a new pope — and the name that pope has taken: Francis, after the well-known patron saint of animals, the environment and Italy. Many are looking for signs Pope Francis will live up to his name, but what does the chart say? The issue also includes this week’s 12-sign horoscopes and a slate of current astro-news briefs.
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I was finally able to read the article. Thank you Eric!
During a meeting to thank and say hello to the press today, Pope Francis explained that he chose this name thinking of the poor, of peace and of the environment (‘we don’t have a very good relationship with environment right now’). Then he said something like ‘I would like so much a Church that is poor’.
Amanda – Ahh, I missed that in all the various conversations. Sounds decent to me. 🙂 Thank you for the clarification.
Thank you.
Hi Paola, I’m so sorry if I offended you. I’ve lived here over half my life, and to be honest at times I feel more Italian than English. The comments I made are feelings I share with other Italians, close friends. It’s certainly not the remark of an ex-pat looking down her nose at Italians. I adore this country and its people – that toko me into its bosom and gave me a new home, many years ago.
Hi Lizzy,
I haven’t read the issue – will do it shortly.
But you live in Italy if I am not wrong. I live in Italy too, and my nationality is Italian, even if my family roots are various.
And honestly I feel hurt by your comment ‘their mentality is horribly backward too’. What is it, a look like an anthropologist on the primitive tribe he is observing?
If you live here maybe a little more respect is dued.
Thank you.
The choice of the name Francis by the new pope is significant regardless of the things the man does or does not do while in office. There is an energetic that was expressed by the seagull appearing as the announcement was made that symbolizes for me the rise of consciousness. Some will interpret is as the Holy Spirit. For me it represents a synchonicity of the energy of St. Francis in visible terms and the need for his work to be remembered and used as an example for all of us now. We know what is happening around us and how we are being manipulated and controlled through politics and media. St. Francis left behind a life of wealth and comfort to take to the streets and help the poor. He chose to live as the birds of the air, trusting that God would provide. Kierkegaard speaks of the lily of the field, the bird of the air. St. Francis knew that if God provides for them then we are provided for as well. But it takes a leap of Faith to access the manifestation of abundance. Hence our dilemma.
My life has been filled with amazing relationships with animals. I have seen them do such extraordinary things, performing acts of true generosity, intelligence and choice. The internet is full of stories of heroic behavior by animals. They live in the present and can teach us to do the same if we are open to the experience. They balance our energy and the energy of the planet and provide the nearest thing to unconditional love we will experience here on earth.
Factory farming and the pain inflicted on animals is just another example of the anger and frustration man feels. People are consuming pure pain as they eat their McDonald’s or chicken from some plastic wrapper. Like the child abuse in the Catholic church, it is a manifestation of crimes against humanity, our own humanity and our ability to show mercy.
If for no other reason, the choice of the name Francis is a reminder of that pervasive energy that is inherently part of what is best in our own natures. It provides the symbol for the direction we need to go to reclaim our own sovereignty.
hi maeve —
one of our sources was this interview on Democracy Now yesterday:
http://www.democracynow.org/2013/3/14/pope_francis_first_latin_american_jesuit
it’s an interview with Tom Roberts, editor-at-large at the National Catholic Reporter and author of “The Emerging Catholic Church: A Community’s Search for Itself,” who said:
“Yes, and he made it clear that it was for Francis of Assisi and not Francis Xavier, one of the early Jesuits. The significance, I think, cuts a number of ways. First of all, I think that it’s a recognition, if Francis is used as a reform figure, for the—the recognition of the need for reform in the church, a getting back to the gospel. He doesn’t like—and it’s been pretty well chronicled—doesn’t like rigid clericalism. He doesn’t like all the fuss of elaborate clothes. Again, simplicity is the order for him. And he came out in a plain white cassock, none of the—none of the other frills that can go along with that first entrance.”
now, i’m not sure what roberts’ source is for that, but it’s what we went with. before i had caught that interview, i also was under the impression that he may have had both francises in mind. and maybe he did — but it sounds like that’s not what he has said or indicated to others.
good question, of course!
I have read in a number of places that it is more likely that he took the name Francis after St. Francis Xavier, not Assisi, due to his Jesuit leanings. I fully recognize I know nearly nothing about most Christianity/Catholicism, but many of my more learned friends were discussing this yesterday.
(not looking to stir crap up, just sharing what I’ve heard, and I was surprised to see that this wasn’t brought up here (at least, not on this post, anyway) ).
Eric:
What a fabulous read this weekly was!
As you say, “As I sit here, I am trying to fit this into my concept of the universe. If I were writing this in a fiction story, I would be rather pleased with myself for coming up with something so ironic. But this is not irony; irony is a literary device. This is the universe talking. And what the universe is saying is that there’s a fabulous gay bathhouse right on Vatican property.”
And more — it reminded me of how lucky I was being “almost” raised Catholic, instead of actually raised. I was saved by my father’s agnosticism right after my confirmation — he had had enough of those expensive ‘sacraments’, and the priests digging at him for money!.
Also, as fellows from Catholic cultures, Italians and Filipinos are alot more sanguine about their criticisms of their clerics. I laughed my way through the article because it had so much truth! Bravissimo, brother!
Yes, and for his first appearance he shunned the usual Pope’s finery and gold crucifix for simple white robes and a wooden cross. Thank you for this stunning piece, Eric, that reads like the plot of a gripping thriller (that’s the Vatican for you).
And thank you Genevieve, for your extraordinary horoscopes!
Wow – this was great! I think Francis may do exactly as you said St. Francis would do, seeing as he has already shunned the red Prada shoes. He could even be the last pope after all.
Ha! Ha! What a scoop! As you can imagine, they’re very backward about rights for homosexuals here in Catholic Italy, their mentality is horribly backward too. Can’t wait to read the rest of this edition….