Meticulously Cleaning House

Of the third Pope back it was claimed, bucolic as he was typecast, that he was also a scholar and a gentleman. His successor was the scholar. Now the first Jesuit pope, learned as he would be through his Jesuitical tutelage, appears the ultimate gentleman. A modest man by all accounts, and truly given as none before him appeared to have been, to quietly assuming his duties with a spare elegance of show, shunning the elaborate trappings of tradition and ornamental elaboration in the simplicity of his urge to serve.


As Pope, he is held to sit in an elevated position above mere kings and queens, yet without a hint of artifice he exhibited the courtly gentleness of a bow to a queen of Jordan. Not even of his faith, allowing him the opportunity to display respect of all religions. Certain enough in his faith and its strength that gives him his purpose in life to render civil respect where in his opinion he feels it is warranted.

Pope Francis welcomes King of Jordan Abdullah II Ibn Hussein’s wife Rania at the Vatican. Photo: MAURIZIO BRAMBATTI /AFP

He has parted with tradition at every opportunity, eschewing the rich robes of his office, and assuming instead simple white garments he feels more suitable to a servant of god. Setting an example for others that surround him. And while he may fail in persuading them to follow his lead, and his lead may have the effect of discomfiting those who serve his office, he surely has impressed the laity.

He has pledged himself to the arduous and yet delicate task of bringing order and openness, kindly regard and clarity of purpose to the Vatican. And because of the corruption that has rotted its understory and because of the conflict in personalities and priorities that have riven its members, he is taking careful steps to restore to the precincts of the sacred city a propriety and dignity of depth, not facade.

The discovery of his predecessor Pope Benedict's trusted butler purloining papers meant only for the eyes of the pope and which revealed matters not open to other eyes appears to have brought about the resignation of the pope, an event that astonished the world. The long-term friendship of Pope Benedict with the man he elevated in 2006 to secretary of state alongside his own ascension to the post of Vicar of Christ protected Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

The Cardinal was rumoured to have been involved in corrupt Vatican affairs, and there were trusted advisers who urged Pope Benedict XVI to discharge him from his duties as a way to restore trustworthiness to the affairs of the Vatican. Cardinal Joachim Meisner of Cologne revealed months ago that he had pleaded for the replacement of Cardinal Bertone, but was soundly and roundly refused. His contention, speaking on behalf of a group of Cardinals, that Cardinal Bertone was incapable of adequately discharging his duties was rebuffed.

"During the Williamson affair, I even once, on behalf of a number of cardinals, went to the Pope and said: "Holy Father, you have to dismiss Cardinal Bertone! He's in charge -- as would be the responsible minister in a secular government." He looked at me and said, 'Listen to me carefully! Bertone remains! Basta! Basta! Basta! (stop it!)" After that I never brought up the subject again."

So it is entirely conceivable that Cardinal Bertone was referring to Cardinal Meisner when he was dismissed from his position on Saturday by Pope Francis, when he mourned that he was surrounded by "crows and vipers" who had set out to maliciously undermine his authority. And who appeared to have done so quite successfully. Vatican observers now believe this to represent part of the effort to reform the Vatican Bank.

 

And so the Pope has introduced another saintly individual to the position now vacated however reluctantly and with very bad humour by Cardinal Bertone. The position going to Archbishop Pietro Parolin, currently Vatican nuncio in Venezuela. Who will doubtless refrain from comporting himself in a manner so as to reflect badly on the office he will serve. And unlike Cardinal Bertone it is doubtful that Archbishop Parolin will, under duress, suggest blame for misplaced judgement on his part be shared by the Pope.