By DANIEL FINNEGAN
STAFF WRITER
On March 13, Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University appeared on the PBS interview program “Charlie Rose” to discuss the election of Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio to the Papacy. McShane, along with Georgetown University President John DeGioia, Pulitzer prize winning author Jon Meachem and the former Pastor of St. Ignatius Loyola Parish Rev. Walter Modry’s, S.J., discussed many issues and topics concerning the new pope.
While the conversation did dive into more pressing matters, such as the conclave’s consideration of Pope Francis’ age and his priorities, McShane began the panel by discussing his shock at the election of the first Jesuit Pope in history.
“I was stunned. Everyone was. First Jesuit in the history of the church, and we didn’t believe it was possible,” McShane said.
He also noted that while Cardinal Bergoglio was mentioned frequently in the last papal conclave, Pope Benedict XVI, to succeed Pope John Paul II, he was not as prominent in the conversation during this conclave.
With many concerned about Pope Francis’ age — he is 76 years old — McShane made sure to voice his support for the conclave’s decision.
“I think [it is] the humility, the brightness, the spirituality, the hard work, the directness; I think they looked past age and saw these things as many of qualities that were talked about during the run-up congregations and the American press briefings,” McShane said.
All the members of the panel agreed on the Pope’s strong senses of humility and social justice. They viewed him as a champion for the poor and oppressed ever since he became a priest, and they agreed he will lead the Church towards a more “compassionate ministry to the poor.”
When asked about the Pope’s generous and sacrificial lifestyle, McShane said he believed the Pope was “someone that the world could almost fall in love with because he was so unexpected and because he was so authentic and his devotion to the poor, which grew out of love, was simply captivating.”
All the members of the panel were enamored with the compassionate nature of the Pope, but it was McShane’s appreciation that resonated with the audience. His clear diction and eminent pride in the newly-elected Pope powerfuly represented Fordham to the viewers.
McShane’s appearance was an important milestone for Fordham, as the university continues to strive towards McShane’s goal of establishing Fordham as the preeminent Catholic institution for higher learning in America. It was also an important reminder to Fordham students, showing the powerful standing and influence of Fordham and her president, not only in the Jesuit community, but in the world. Father McShane’s appearance on the “Charlie Rose” program not only provided insight on the new Jesuit pope, but also served as a reminder of the prominent standing Fordham University holds within both the academic and Catholic worlds.
