Man In The Modest Chair

My first meeting with Pope Francis was in 2001 at the Vatican. I had sought permission to intervene in a debate and, according to the rules, had submitted my contention in writing. It was during the coffee break that he came up to me to say he totally agreed with what I had to say. He congratulated me and swiftly walked away. I was later told he was Cardinal Bergoglio, the archbishop of Buenos Aires. That short meeting stayed with me—and was to lead to many more meetings on my subsequent visits to the Vatican. I was inexplicably drawn to him.

A day after his election in 2013, I had an audience with the new Pope along with two other priests and three seminarians from Ranchi. He welcomed us warmly, blessed us and his warmth put everyone at ease. He made me sit on the most comfortable chair while he chose a more modest one to sit. We had a heart-to-heart chat. There were more surprises waiting. The same day I received a call from him when I was in my room at Casa Santa Marta, a guesthouse adjacent to the St Peter’s Basilica, where the Pope was also put up. The Holy Father told me he was aware that for the past eight years I had been trying in vain to obtain an audience with the Pope for the 1,400 Indians staying in Rome. To my astonishment, the Pope told me he was ready to give the audience. (Since the conclave had just got over, I did not deem it proper then. But I am sure it’ll happen soon).

From the day he was elected, the new pope has made it clear he was different. He refused to move into the papal palace, instead choosing to stay on at the Casa Santa Marta.  “I cannot live without people, I need to live among the people,” he had explained, disarming us all. We therefore continued to meet at the breakfast table or during lunch and supper. On one such morning, as I was leaving the refractory, I ran into the Pope. I greeted him by saying, “Good day, Holy Father”. He grinned and replied, “Good day, holy son.” Even nine months later, when I recollect that moment, I cannot help but break into a smile.

But while the Pope continues to stay at the same guesthouse, I do not run into him at the breakfast table any longer. He is obviously busier than ever before. My own visits to the Vatican have increased to attend meetings of the Synod. Since 2008, I have also been a member of the vigilance commission set up to oversee the functions of the Vatican Bank, which had run into some disrepute.

The Pope’s transparency, warmth and simplicity have already made a difference. His call to prayer for ending all wars, especially in the case of Syria, has earned him love and respect. He exemplifies the ideal that one must change oneself before changing the world.

Cardinal Toppo was part of the conclave which elected the Pope. He is the Ranchi archbishop.; E-mail your columnist: cardinaltoppo AT gmail.com