Spirit says...: Inspiration - The Holy Father visiting

When I met the Pope

I had the day off work, but my alarm clock went off at the same time anyway. I was going to Mass with the Holy Father! It's not every day this guy passes by Malmö, so I figured I'd go and see him. Well, me and 18 000 other people...

The Pope's visit started on the 31st of October with an ecumenic service in the Cathedral of Lund and then some activities in the Arena in Malmö later in the afternoon. On the 1st of November there was a Catholic Mass in the Swedbank Arena - another stadium in Malmö. That's where I was. By my side I had my partner in crime, my mother-in-law Karin. We had planned the day thoroughly. I came to her apartment a little after 7:00 am, we had some breakfast and then we walked to the arena. As the Mass would take place outdoors we were dressed for the occasion; long johns, jeans, rain pants, double sweaters, warm jackets, scarves, gloves, hats and winter shoes. I was getting hot halfway to the arena! Gloves and hat in my hand, I was thinking to myself "why did I bring all this stuff?". Getting inside the arena area was simple enough. The lines were long but they moved fast. And we were happy to see that people were respectful enough not to cut in line. We waved our tickets and looked as honest and innocent as we possibly could, and then we were sent off to the next line - security. I didn't bring a purse, the less I had to carry the better. I wish Karin had thought the same...

"Do you have a bag?" one of the hosts asked Karin. Of course she had. That meant she had to get in line L for bag checks. I could have gone to line K which was half the length of line L. Karin just could not understand why she had to stand in that line for that little purse, as it was allowed. Allowed, yes, but it still had to be x-rayed. She had no intention of standing in that line. So what did she do? She cut in line! The host came up to her, hugged her and told her to show some mercy and go to the end of the line. Karin, for the love of everything that's holy, we talked about this! Don't do what you don't want other people to do, I said, and by those words we were at the very end of line L... Estimated guess I believe we were in line L for about an hour. Karin went on commenting other people trying to get ahead in line and cut in line. How selfish of them! Same, same, but different, I suppose. I just love this mother-in-law of mine! We went through security, we were frisk searched and then we were on our way. Section 30, row 2, seats 844 and 845. Of course those seats were taken. Well, I can't blame that poor lady. She thought 11 was the same as 2. It was a Roman Catholic Mass, what can I say...?

Pope Francis was on time. He came walking along the side, greeting and blessing people on his way to the podium. By his side there were some black suits (Swiss Guard, I presume) and a Cardinal. He's a popular Pope! Visitors from Italian and Spanish speaking countries were cheering him with "Viva Il Papa! Viva El Papa!" I so wanted to join in, but I was happy just waving to him.

A sermon is a sermon. He talked about the Saints, the love of Christ, the beautifications, the meek and the lowly, the Catholics being one big world wide family, etc. And he clearly stated his appreciation for Sweden to receive him as a visitor. Many cheerings and applause! My major concern was how they'd organize the Communion. Having 18 000 people coming down to the podium would create chaos, so I guessed the Communion would come to us instead somehow. And I was right. Every aisle had its own priest, serving us with the body of Christ.

Getting out of the arena sure went faster than getting in, and after a toilet break in Karin's apartment we went to lunch and were served something else than the body of Christ. Fish to be exact. Well, a suitable dish for the day, Jesus liked to serve fish too...

People have different views on the Pope. Some call him an old guy in a white dress, just costing a lot of money. I call him a humble man who's working hard to unite people and congregations all over the world. He leads a simple life regardless of his position. No fancy palace, no black mercedes, no luxury whatsoever. I am Catholic, and of course I think higher of him than as a man in a white dress. Saying that is in my opinion disrespectful to an older man who works for piece and love and community among people. If we think he costs money for this visit, try to think of what other events cost. Music events, sports events, royal and political events... Need I go on? There is a role model for everyone, don't look down on us who choose to respect someone who wants to do good for the world... Some people like Zlatan - I like Father Francis!

Viva Il Papa!