Even I am a bit surprised at the strength of the love and devotion of the people in Italy for Pope Francis.  Italians, visitors from all over the world, migrants and the homeless all express such affection for him, a friend of mine who works in one of the Vatican offices described it as "overwhelming and constant."  The Wednesday morning papal audiences are packed every week, every month they are held.  It simply tells me that, in spite of the clamor of the few, theologically rigid voices that often get the most attention, the love felt by so many for our pope will also flow to our Church, if we can ever get ourselves in the position of living the Gospel Message more than we preach it.  Some of us have done an exceptionally poor job of it (to say he least) so far.  This Lent, please remember to pray for the entire Church - all of it - and do penance for our errors and sins.