The selection of a new Pope, Leo XIV, who is much like Pope Francis in his theology and compassion, is good news for the Catholic Church and for non-Catholics as well. In these tumultuous times, having a caring person in that role will bring a voice of reason and empathy to offset the negativity brought to the world by an angry, cruel, thoughtless leader in the U.S. I am not a Catholic, but I admired Pope Francis.

Another bold leader must step up to remind humanity how to remain human and bring love and hope to a suffering world. The average person has a responsibility to care for others in whatever manner that person has to give. It costs nothing to be kind and caring. Looking out for those around us can be healing for others and for us. A smile, a gentle touch, a visit may cost one very little but it may be received gratefully. It can lift spirits for the giver as for the receiver. It’s tempting to keep myself in a safe cocoon, losing touch with friends and neighbors, waiting for life to get back to a comfortably reasonable place. If I don’t work at my attitude, nothing will change for me. 

A larger war could break out at any time in a variety of places where lives have been touched by war and cruelty. Saber-rattling is frightening for those of us who have lived peacefully for most of our lives. Most families can identify family members who have been at war in foreign lands; some have lost their lives or been damaged by wartime physical or emotional wounds. Wars are ongoing in many places leaving people homeless and hopeless without an acceptable end in sight. I have nightmares of wars started by this country over land that is coveted, expansion that is unwelcome, or some unsettled grievance. This is a time to take a good look at what is happening and temper the ugliness with gentleness and humanity.