Jim Dailey

Pope John Paul ll and Mayor Jim

We have a new Pope … Pope Francis

I’ve been a Catholic since birth and have always been fascinated, not only with the Papacy itself, but also with the ancient traditional selection process.  Having lived thru several Popes I must admit, never have I been more captivated with the selection of a new Pope.  From all indication, the world of Catholics and other denominations too, there is an optimism this humble man from the Americas will teach by example, embrace diverse cultures, reach out to other religions and bring people together thru spirituality and love.  I am already hearing from friends of other religions: “I really like this man.”

Back to John Paul and the picture above

It was August 1993 … I was in my first term as Mayor … Bill Clinton was in his first term as President.  A call came from the White House inviting me to join President Clinton in greeting Pope John Paul upon his arrival in Denver.  During the next eight years I would have many opportunities to greet  Air Force One but this was my first and only time to greet  Shepherd 1. 

The day was drizzly wet, a small invited crowd had gathered, President Clinton was on the tarmac and suddenly, like a blinding flash of light, the enormity of this moment hit me. It was so surreal, were it not for this photo my son Jeff managed to find while working in the White House, I might still question if it actually happened.

In the background, President Clinton is visible, and in my hand is a small Little Rock flag which I presented to the Pontiff.  As he blessed me and those around me and then moved on, I was filled with a sense of peace and gratitude I shall never forget.  Mayors and Presidents and even Popes … move on … their lasting legacies are found in the succession and/or selection of those who …  carry on.  

May our prayers be with Jorge Mario Bergoglio … Pope Francis.