The Rev. Thomas B. Curran on Pope Francis’ visit to U.S.: The true meaning of conversation

New York, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia are preparing to welcome Pope Francis this month. This pope has captured the hearts of Catholics, Protestants and non-Christians alike. What might we expect from this papal visit to our nation? What effect could it have in our own community? How might Kansas City participate in Francis’ visit, his way of proceeding?

When Jorge Mario Bergolio appeared on the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, on March 13, 2013, he gave indications of how he would lead. He greeted everyone in a familial way with a “good evening” and humbly asked those assembled for their blessing. Since that historic evening, he has demonstrated repeatedly his Jesuit training and roots. More specifically, I am referring to three things: his comments on the experience of God’s mercy; his invitation to magnanimity; and his belief in the power of dialogue and conversation.

Pope Francis often speaks of himself being a redeemed sinner. This understanding can be traced to being formed through the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Additionally, he often speaks of magnanimity (generosity). This hearkens to his reference to the epitaph on Ignatius Loyola’s grave, which calls for generosity of heart tempered with humility. It calls one to do great things while not overlooking the mundane tasks of life.

The third strain is found in the Jesuit approach to opportunities for dialogue. The Jesuit way of proceeding in conversation consists of five principles: being slow to speak; listening attentively; seeking the truth in what others are saying; disagreeing humbly and thoughtfully; and allowing the conversation the time it needs.

The papal visit to the United States will include an address to world leaders in the United Nations, a joint session with the U.S. Congress, a meeting with President Barack Obama, engagement with leaders for Catholic and other faith traditions, an assembly on the issue of family, as well as time with prisoners in a correctional facility in Philadelphia. Francis is expected to deliver addresses on freedom, the family, immigration and interreligious dialogue.

As I see it, the five principles of dialogue just might be the best approach for our community to engage in interreligious dialogue. Let me explain. I choose this topic because the Pope’s visit will include comments on dialogue among various religious traditions. And, this year marks the 50th anniversary of Nostra Aetate (In our Time). It is the Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions from the Second Vatican Council. It just may be the time to share how Kansas City can model what it means to have interreligious dialogue in a world that experiences so much religious intolerance.

Rockhurst University recently participated in a gathering of 200 college and university students, faculty and staff from seven area institutions with Eboo Patel, a Muslim American and founder of Interfaith Youth Council. The purpose was to discuss and formulate interfaith dialogue and cooperation in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the ecumenical council of the Catholic Church.

If our students and campuses become the source for ongoing dialogue, cooperation and appreciation through the use of the five principles of conversation and dialogue, we just might start to experience peace in our time.

This story was originally published September 15, 2015 at 5:33 PM with the headline "The Rev. Thomas B. Curran on Pope Francis’ visit to U.S.: The true meaning of conversation."