The Mystique of the Reformer: Strength in Weakness and Communion in Conflict

Abstract

This article reflects on the meaning of Pope Francis’ gesture of praying at the tomb of Pius X, who was convalescing and taking off his papal robes at the end of his life. The reflection rejects the interpretation of a casual gesture and assumes the hypothesis of the Pope’s intention to expose the confrontation between the symbols of weakness and strength, of conflict and communion. Weakness and strength can be embodied by the respective pontiffs and their ecclesiastical projects of reform and preservation. At the same time, it understands the visit as revealing the meaning of dialogue that overcomes the isolation and arrogance that characterized the opponents of his pontificate. These meanings inferred from the gesture can symbolically represent what Francis assumed as a stance and teaching throughout his reforming pontificate.

KEYWORDS: Weakness. Pius X. Reform. Security. Traditionalism.