ECHOES FROM HISTORY

In 1935, in response to a foreign diplomat’s query about the plight of Russian Catholics, Soviet dictator Josef Stalin famously quipped, ‘How many divisions does the Pope have?’ He is said to have repeated nearly identical words later to Winston Churchill. ‘The Pope? How many divisions has he got?’ Word of this remark reached the Holy See itself, and Pope Pius XII responded, “You can tell my son Josef that he will meet my divisions in heaven.”

In 1979 another Pope, a Polish one, visited his homeland, under the boot of Soviet communism. His visit—punctuated by rallies and speeches—galvanized resistance, particularly energizing the Solidarity movement. The puppet Polish government soon fell, as did, not long after, the communist dictatorship of the Soviet Union.

Papal divisions and armies were not involved, at least here on Earth. But moral authority and leadership were. The exposure of empty slogans and bluster and threats were. The contrast between a force for good and decency and the forces of evil and subjugation were made clear. And monumental change occurred.

About a week ago, after the death of Pope Francis, the internet was flooded with images of Trump as Pope. (Which made me want to throw up even more than the usual Trump photos do. Which is saying a lot. And I will not post it here). The *president said he thought the picture was funny, and cute. Perhaps somewhat like Stalin, long ago, thought his little joke was cute.

I am not a Catholic. But I am interested in all things spiritual, and moral. And I am interested in history. And now, with the selection of a new Pope, an American Pope, from Chicago—a White Sox

fan—who seems to be no fan of Trump or JD Vance, one cannot help but wonder at the possible echoes from history. Is it conceivable that this new Pope, with no ‘divisions,’ but with vast moral authority, can help bend the arc of history? Of American history? Just as a Polish Pope changed Polish history and world history?

I don’t know. But we do know, from experience, that it is not IM-possible. And in dark and chaotic times, when hope is not abundant, such echoes of possibility are more than welcome. Trump and Trump-ism will not be defeated by divisions. They don’t need to be. Courage and backbone, persistence moral authority, are the forces required. Perhaps they will be wielded by Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—Bobby, the White Sox fan. Now Pope Leo XIV. Stranger things have happened.