UPDATE 1/31/19: Hopes expressed below for the new Pope as a force for good proven laughably naïve on my part.

ORIGINAL POST 3/16/13: A new spiritual leader in a world sorely in need of exceptional spiritual guidance takes on the name of a saint deserving of the title. Jorge Bergoglio’s life thus far has been one of simplicity and restraint, both admirable traits when sincerely applied, both potentially diabolical if used as cover for enforced socialist “equality.” Let us pray for the former.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

No small legacy to which any modern mortal might aspire: St. Francis’ words of praise drawn from his “Canticle To The Sun,” set to the sublime musical arrangement of Ralph Vaughn Williams.

All Creatures Of Our God And King

(1) All creatures of our God and King,

Lift up your voice and with us sing,

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou burning sun with golden beam,

Thou silver moon with softer gleam,

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(2) Thou rushing wind that art so strong,

Ye clouds that sail in heaven along,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice,

Ye lights of evening, find a voice!

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(3) Thou flowing water, pure and clear,

Make music for thy Lord to hear,

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou fire so masterful and bright,

That givest man both warmth and light,

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

(4)Dear mother earth, who day by day

Unfoldest blessings on our way,

O praise Him! Alleluia!

The flowers and fruits that in thee grow,

Let them His glory also show.

O praise Him! O praise Him!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!