Why Does the Pope Have Such Charisma?

Viewing the coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Washington and New York, it has struck me that people of all faiths have a fascination about the Pope. We saw the love that all people had for Pope John Paul II, who was the most traveled Pope in history. His mild and caring ways touched people all over the world. He had such influence on the Catholic faithful, that immediately after his death, there was a call for his sainthood.

Pope Benedict XVI has a different personality than John Paul II, but now seeing him interacting with political and religious leaders in his first U.S. trip, it is evident he also has charisma and a warm personality. His historic visit to a synagogue on the eve of Passover touched the hearts of the Jewish people, and his private meeting with those victims of priest abuse was both unexpected and welcomed. When this man dressed in white comes in our midst, what is it that prompts so many people of all faiths to want to catch a glimpse of him and want to be in his presence?

The Pope is a successor of St. Peter, the apostle upon whom the Catholic Church was built. St. Peter, in fact, is buried in the Church of St. Peter in the Vatican. Although the history of Catholicism has been marked by dark times that the Church would rather forget, this church has still survived over 2,000 years with essentially the same liturgical form as in the early days of Christianity after Jesus Christ died and rose from the dead. The apostles and disciples of Christ held their "Masses" in individual homes, but the breaking of the bread and sharing in "communion" occurred from the beginning, in imitation of Christ's sharing the bread and wine at the Last Supper (or Passover meal). Many of the prayers said today in the Catholic Mass have their origin in the early Church as well.

I believe that the reason so many people revere and respect the Pope is that he is viewed as Christ's representative on earth, and / or as the holiest of men. Man cannot physically touch God, but can physically be near the Pope and listen to his words. Catholics also believe that the Pope is "infallible," meaning that what he says or proclaims comes from God. So, there is an element of awe and respect, as if God himself were before us. However, no true religious person would want to be, nor should he ever feel that he is equal with God or Christ. The true holy person is humble before God and other people.

Another reason many people of different faiths respect the Pope is that he takes interest in all peoples and in all world events. His message is always of peace and protection of human rights. The Pope supports charities worldwide that aim to end poverty, and ease the sufferings of many people in war-torn countries. As such, he is living the message of Christ to bring peace and to serve others.

There are many who criticize the Church, especially in recent years in light of the sex abuse cases. However, while Pope Benedict XVI himself admits how badly these cases were handled, it is important to remember that the number of priests involved in such horrendous behavior is very small. The vast majority of priests are good servants of God, and many of those that are joining the priesthood today are actually joining the religious life after they have held jobs in the community, and therefore bring a fresh view on life issues.

I think we gravitate toward holy men like the Pope because we need his message of peace in a troubled world, and we need to be connected more with someone who we feel may be the closest to God.