Meetings with the Pope

Today French President Francois Hollande met with Pope Francis, apparently on state matters. The press, however, seems especially intrigued about whether there would be any discussions taking place regarding the personal affairs of the French president. It has been widely reported that Mr. Hollande is experiencing some turmoil in his private life. The woman with whom he shares the presidential residence and who has been with him for the last seven years was recently hospitalized with complaints of anxiety after reading in the media that Mr. Hollande was giving his affections to an actress. The media would like to envision Mr. Hollande having a close conversation with his confessor, the Pope; or perhaps would like to imagine Mr. Hollande receiving a good tongue lashing from the Pope about his immoral behavior. Do we or should we care?

It would seem that the Pope is viewed by the secular media as someone to pay attention to when it comes to moral matters. The reported behavior of Mr. Hollande has drawn the attention of the public just as the focus was upon Mr. Clinton in his days in the White House. There was, and is, spirited debate about whether or not the public should concern itself with the private affairs of an elected public official. Is the public trust violated when a private trust is violated? Is his public character reflected in his private character? And so the argument ensues. Wouldn’t everyone like to know what the Holy Father thinks of all this.

And that, I think, would be very instructive for us to know . . . although not for us to know. Certainly I would like to believe that any leader of state may be open to the spiritual guidance offered by Pope Francis; that his guidance would be valued, carefully considered and taken to heart. But I seriously doubt that the Pope is going to offer such unsolicited spiritual guidance on a private matter, even knowing that the behavior of the leader may often influence the behavior of the community he leads. I do expect, however, that the Holy Father will let Mr. Hollande know that he cares for him and that he is in his prayers. That alone is a very powerful message that Mr. Hollande needs to hear and one that may lead to further conversation.

In a few weeks President Obama will be visiting the Vatican. We will wonder if they will discuss such matters as the HHS mandate and state sponsored abortion. These, of course, are not about the private matters of Mr. Obama but rather the policies that he supports that are contrary to human dignity. While this may not be on the agenda of discussion I expect that Pope Francis may offer his thoughts and spiritual guidance on these matters. Regardless, Mr. Obama too will come to know that the Holy Father cares for him and that he is in his prayers . . . and ours as well.