One of the most saintly sovereigns of all time was St. Stephen, King of Hungary. He always gave his subjects a perfect example of respect for the leaders of the Church, especially for the Holy Father. He built churches, monasteries, and institutions of charity throughout his kingdom. His personal life was a sterling example.
His profound reverence for the Pope is shown in the following incident. St. Stephen had established new church districts in his realm, and wished for the approval of the Pope. The king’s ambassador, Astric, brought greetings and wishes and gifts from the king to the Pope. His Holiness in turn sent back a cross, granting the privilege that it be carried before the king and his armies. At the same time the Pope confirmed all the religious foundations made by the holy prince. In his devotion St. Stephen went out to meet his ambassador as he returned from Rome. He listened with deep respect to the letters of the Holy Father, standing while they were read, and even falling to his knees as often as the name of the Pope was repeated. He prayed constantly for the Pope, sent him material help, and inspired his subjects with a like devotion to the head of Christendom. When he felt his end approaching, the holy king called his nobles and advisers and recommended to them the practice of all the Christian virtues, especially respect for and obedience to the Holy Father.
One characteristic common to all the saints was a devotion to the head of the Catholic Church. It seems to be an earmark of sanctity. And rightly so, because the Holy Father represents Christ on earth. Jesus is the real, invisible Head of the Church. The Pope is the visible head, whom we can see, whom we can hear, whom we can follow.
Devotion to the Holy Father in Rome is not only a mark of sanctity; it is a mark of the true Catholic. How can we show devotion to the Holy Father?
1. We show it by praying for him. One might object: He has many prayers already. He does not need mine. Nevertheless, the Holy Father has the spiritual responsibility of the entire world resting upon his shoulders. Added to this is the responsibility for the material well-being of millions who look to him for help.
A. We should pray for him in every Mass. His name is mentioned at the beginning of the Canon. Say that prayer with conscious fervor.
B. More and more people are praying the Rosary. Why not offer one of the beads, or one of the decades, or even an entire Rosary for the Holy Father?
C. When you say your evening prayers you often ask God to bless Father and Mother, sister and brother. Ask God to bless the Pope.
2. We prove our devotion to the Holy Father by reading and studying the Encyclicals or world letters, which he sends out to his children in every land. His official statements cover every important feature of religious, political, and economic life from the standpoint of faith and morals. Read those pronouncements, especially the ones on marriage and education..
3. Show devotion to the Pope by telling everyone of his wonderful qualities. He stands head and shoulders above all the statesmen in the world today. We Catholics are proud of our present Holy Father.
A. He is a scholar. He speaks numerous languages fluently. Not many, if any, leaders of any international organization or national group have that ability.
B. He is a true statesman, an honest, capable diplomat in the best sense.
C. He is a saint. His personal, private life is ascetic and holy. Even non-Catholics assert that they felt as if they were in the presence of a saint when they met the Holy Father.
D. He is a hero, not only spiritually but physically. He is fearless.
4. We can show devotion to the Pope by being generous not only with our sentiments but also with our silver. Every year we take up Peter’s Pence to run the Church and make it possible for the Holy Father to conduct his worldwide charities. He knows where there is extreme and genuine need. The head of no other organization is better able to dispense charity where and when it will do most good. If you are miserly and stingy with the Peter’s Pence, you are not among the better Catholics.
5. By respecting and reverencing those whom the Pope has appointed, we reverence the Holy Father too. Respect for the ministers of Christ is respect for Christ Himself.
6. Help the Holy Father in his work. He has four principal tasks:
A. To save souls and lead men to live according to God’s plan as expressed in the Bible and tradition.
B. To see that Catholics carry out God’s commands.
C. To bring the light of faith to non-Christians, and to bring back those who have wandered from the true fold.
D. To warn the world and individuals of dangers to faith and morals.
Christ honored the first Pope, St. Peter. Certainly we are doing the right thing if we follow St. Stephen and all the heroes of God in their fervent and practical love and respect for the Christian father of us all, John Paul II.