Look, I’m going to just say it. I think I have a crush on the Pope. Preface: I am not a Catholic, although my mom was and most of the family and friends I grew up around were and are. I have major issues with the Church, from their widespread sexual abuse of children, to their views on abortion, women, and homosexuality. But let’s just leave my massive differences with this institution aside for a moment.
The 76 year old Pope got three million people to gather/rally/party on World Youth Day in Rio. That’s bigger than a Taylor Swift concert. Larger than Woodstock. Not even close to Occupy Wall Street. This dude can sell out an arena! The Pope, in his glowing little Pope mobile, stopped several times to kiss babies on his ride through the streets. The Pope donned a sombrero! HOW CAN YOU ARGUE WITH HIS FASHION SENSE–A SOMBRERO!
Also, notable, the Pope told young people they should go out in the streets and ask better of their countries, as long as they do so peacefully. He also said, “If someone is gay, who searches for the Lord and has goodwill, who am I to judge?” What? Did you know they named you Pope, dude? Get with the program.
Is it me, or is this a very different front guy for the Catholic Church? They have a ton of work to do before they can be trusted and forgiven, but Pope Francis, Pope Francis is a God damn (sorry) good start.
*the gratitude-a-thon 
i think that’s awesome. really progressive and smart.
so right on, toni! gotta love a pope in a sombrero!!!
right?