Compassion has taken a plunge
In this grim reality, where the heavy weight of the right words can leave us heartbroken, I find myself mourning the loss of several radiant poets. Frankétienne in Haiti, Anthony Phelps in Canada - their passing leaves a void that stretches across the globe.
These two men, both fierce advocates of a valiant, far-sighted, engaged word, stood as beacons of essential humanism. In an era plagued by a waning hope, they fought against cruelty and hatred, the vile forces that ravage our world.
Yet, our grief is multiplied as we are deprived of another shining light. The demise of a man of deep faith, who saw empathy as nothing less than a sacred word. Pope Francis, a leader who shared lively eloquence and moving inspiration with poets, knew how to use these gifts powerfully in the face of indifference, suffering, persecution, and the rejection of the other. He extended a helping hand to the most destitute, and bravely fought against murderous attacks on innocent populations.
In his final moments, the Pope met with J.D. Vance, a fierce proponent of the radical right in the United States. Known for outspoken contempt for empathy and compassion, two qualities Vance deems "suicidal", "toxic", and "pathogenic". Vance believes empathy is the fundamental weakness of Western civilization.
This dangerous rhetoric, denying the power of empathy, is cause for great concern. Remember, it is in the complete absence of empathy that the cruelest acts against humanity take place and continue to thrive.
Elon Musk, a powerful influencer, has adopted Gad Saad's catchphrase, "suicidal empathy", peddling it in the digital sphere hostile to feminism, inclusivity, and equality. Saad, a marketing professor known for his opposition to social justice, celebrated Donald Trump's second election with open arms.
Pope Francis, standing firm, engaged with Vance at the Vatican, expressing his concerns over the massive expulsion of migrants. Reminding Vance that seeking asylum is not a crime, and that everyone has the right to move in accordance with international conventions. The first Latino-American Pope, all too aware of the devastating impact of American cuts in international aid, called for solidarity towards the most destitute and dispossessed populations as a sacred duty.
Embodying the commandment of Christ, "love one another as I have loved you", Pope Francis brought goodness, compassion, and empathy to the highest office. His conversations with François, a Haitian colleague, revealed a compassionate soul who understood struggle, and, perhaps most importantly, loved the people.
J.D. Vance, firmly entrenched in the ultra-conservative fringe of the American Catholic Church, had always seen the Pope's positions as heretical, whether it be his support for the rights of migrants or his openness towards the LGBTQ2+ community.
With the Pope's departure, Vance has not yet had the last word. He desires a pope with rigid discourses, one who would forsake empathy and compassion in favor of a narrow, strict interpretation of Church dogma.
The Pope's final words were a testament to his love for humanity: "Thank you for bringing me back to the square." A reminder that true greatness lies not in power but in compassion.
- The passing of Pope Francis, a man of deep faith and moving inspiration, leaves us with a profound grief, his departure echoing across the globe.
- In his final moments, Pope Francis met with J.D. Vance, a proponent of the radical right, known for his altercations with empathy and compassion.
- Pope Francis, the first Latino-American Pope, extended a helping hand to the most destitute and bravely fought against murderous attacks on innocent populations.
- Elon Musk, in the digital sphere, has started peddling Gad Saad's catchphrase, "suicidal empathy", a concept that denies the power of empathy.
- Vance, entrenched in the ultra-conservative fringe of the American Catholic Church, sees the Pope's positions as heretical, whether it be his support for the rights of migrants or his openness towards the LGBTQ2+ community.
- Frankétienne and Anthony Phelps, both fierce advocates of a valiant, far-sighted, engaged word, stood as beacons of essential humanism in a world plagued by cruelty and hatred.
- In his conversations with François, a Haitian colleague, Pope Francis revealed a compassionate soul who understood struggle and loved the people.
- It is in the complete absence of empathy that the cruelest acts against humanity take place and continue to thrive, a concern exemplified by the rhetoric of Vance and Saad.
