Short papacies

To the editor:

I indeed wish the best for new Pope Leo XIV. Many commentators have said that he has potential for many years ahead. Quite true, as far as actuarial-tables go. However, I am mindful that when I was a teenager in Rose Hill in 1978, Pope John Paul I served for a fateful 33 days. He was only 65 years old (younger than Leo is now). He was known as “the smiling pope,” only eclipsed by the late Pope Francis in smiling.

Probably my favorite pope was Pope Pius IX. Not many people know that as a young priest, he also served in Peru and Chile. Like Francis, he believed in “a spirit of fraternalism.” Pius IX served 31 years as pope, second only to Saint Peter himself.

John Paul I shouldn’t be forgotten. That was the same era as when older Russian leaders died in quick succession. Mikhail Gorbachev was elected general secretary at age 54. John Paul II was elected at age 58. Both served long tenures.

John Paul I was ahead of his time by banning the Tridentine Mass in the Archdiocese of Venice. I like Mass to be spoken in English and for the priest to face the people. Catholicism must stay human and revere Christ.

James A. Marples
Longview, Texas