PLYMOUTH – When Plimoth Plantation's deputy executive director Richard Pickering awaited his first interview in 1984 for an acting role, he heard a group of role players in the room confess a common fear – discussing religion with the village's visitors.
"If the staff is frightened to talk about the very subject that motivated this entire colony, that's my place here, if I can help the museum talk about the spiritual experiences of people in the past in an accurate and respectful way," Pickering remembers thinking.
Pope Francis is the spiritual leader of 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide. There are bound to be some who don't like him. But what is of greater interest is that so many non-Catholics love him. In fact, this week's People magazine features Pope Francis on its front cover and describes him as a saint for all. A local witness to the Pope's visit to Cuba called him "the most loved man in the world." There is ample evidence of Pope Francis' global appeal. No doubt, this church leader has what it takes to be a leader in today's world.
In the US, many of the pontiff's comments have lent themselves to ideological manipulation. Proponents of socialist ideals, pro-life activists, gay rights supporters, environmentalists, all have felt affirmed by the Pope's remarks. Politicians and interest groups are, no doubt, eagerly awaiting further affirmation during his US visit.
