The Pope Rides out…Again

Facing the imminent destruction of Rome in 452 AD, the great leader, Pope Leo, rode out to confront Attila the Hun at Mantua. Then again, as an encore in 455, he met the Vandal, Gaiseric, outside the gates of Rome.   These two barbarians, Attila and Gaiseric, were arguably two of the  most feared “bad actors” in history. The word, vandal, makes it way down to us 1500 years later as part of our vocabulary. And, the term, “The Huns are at the Gate” is still a call to action.

In both cases the great leader Pope Leo prevailed.

In our modern version, Pope Francis has ridden out once again. This time he rode out figuratively. He simply invited the world’s Oil Company Executives for a two-day chat about climate change at his home, the Vatican. He did not talk to them about sparing Rome; he talked to them about sparing planet earth. He wants them to lead the transition to clean energy.

It seems like a simple proposition does it not? Pope Francis, on the advice of his non-denominational, independent, science advisory board called the “Pontifical Academy” has determined that he has a moral imperative to intervene to save his flock. The men and women of the Pontifical Academy are the best scientists world-wide. They are on par with our National Academies of Science. In consensus with all the reputable science organizations world-wide, they have advised the Pope that time is running out. If we do not act soon, 97% of our scientists warn us, that  the climate will slowly sack mother earth of her ability to sustain human civilization.

I am a Christian but not a Catholic. I respect Pope Francis as a man of principle, determination and courage.  Will he prevail? My opinion is , “Not unless we join him.” In 452 and 455 the concept of “democracy” was weak. Lucky for Rome, the autocratic leader Pope Leo, was an educated,  principled man of unusual courage. 

In 2015 Pope Francis came out with the widely acclaimed book/encyclical called, “Laudato Si, Care for Our Common Home.”  This highly acclaimed book was exciting a rewarding read for me.  One chapter dealt specifically with climate change.  

In reaction to this perceived opportunity, I purchased about 600 science booklets called, “Climate Change Evidence and Causes” written by the scientists of the oldest continuously functioning  science academy, the Royal Society, in conjunction with our National Academies of Science. I wrote to a couple dozen churches and sent them the booklet. I told them that the Pope was not a maverick but had iron-clad scientific data to morally challenge us to act. And, I offered to bring a powerpoint presentation to them to make it easier   to understand what the world is undergoing and why the Pope is so concerned.

I received not a single reply.

When calling churches, or interacting with veteran’s organizations, or even educational institutions* the most common reply I receive from the leadership is that they feel their congregation, their members, their faculty, or their community is not interested.

Let me shorten this up. In a democracy leadership comes from the courage of the members. Real leaders are rare. Most leaders are simply middle managers. They “lead” only if the congregation, the members, the voter, or the community indicates they are curious and concerned.

Back in 2015, I wondered if the lay Catholic Community supported the Pope. I asked Catholics if they read the encyclical. I found only one person who had read the Pope’s Encyclical and that includes the Catholics I had given the Encyclical to.

For a while, I made it a habit to stop at Catholic and Christian Book stores to ask if they had the Encyclical.  Often, they did not. Sometimes, the clerks they had no idea what I was referring to.

Pope Leo, long ago, rode out to confront the barbarians. Now Pope Francis has ridden out again to confront the barbarians. My question is, “Who are the barbarians? Is there a chance it is us?”

*I have discovered that there is one group in of citizens that has always been concerned ab out climate change and that is science teachers.  My impression is that they are intimidated by the attitude of their communities in regard to climate change and are hesitant to speak out. I would like to note, too, that Rotary clubs have shown concern and so has one notable individual, Al Gaiss.

Constructive criticism and curious questions encouraged at climatelynx @earthlink.net